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Locations • Dana Porter Renovations 2008

Main Floor Feedback - Space

"Too open, could be more seating in main entrance area."

"It looks cleaner and very open (maybe too empty looking). Dislike: automatic sliding doors--what's wrong with opening a door? What a waste of energy!"

"Very nice--like the open concept design--feels less stuffy than the previous layout. Pleasant colour scheme as well."

"Awesome, it makes more space for students, more computers, more printers and the best is the space for us to sit, read. And the organization of whole floor is way much better than before. I love the way it looks now, much better!!!"

"We like it. It's spacious and really nice. It has a new look, although now it's inconsistent with the rest of the building."

"I'm so happy to have the main floor back. It's really nice. There are a lot more outlets and it's a great place to study. It's beautiful and spacious."

"It looks nice - it's very aesthetically pleasing. They have really maximized space and there are many different areas now to sit and study."

"It's spacious, accessible, and attractive."

"It's really open and bright compared to before. There are also a lot more places to sit."

"Nice and open! Finally, much of the floor is open for public use. The old layout consumed a huge amount of floor space just for offices."

"Get rid of the wasted space! Put in more of those sick computer workstations with the booth!!!!!!"

"The computer spaces are awesome! So much space."

"It is very aesthetically pleasing, although I think because of the flooring and the open concept it creates a cold feeling. I feel that I have to go to the upper levels just so that I will feel warm since I'll be surrounded by more walls than windows."

"It's nice, but the big open space in the lobby seems a bit unnecessary perhaps even wasteful. I suppose it leaves room for growth. Why are there no bathrooms?"

"More computers needed!!!! A lot of wasted space! And the internet is insanely slow!"

"It seems like the space could have been used more effectively without sacrificing aesthetics at all. Getting rid of/reducing the 'open look' could have significantly increased the number of computer terminals and study space available. I do like the computer terminal desk dividers that are on some of the desks."

"I love all the new computers, and the work stations. The only question I have is that it feels like there is a lot of wasted space in the front area, could that area have been used to make a bigger coffee area?"

"It's nice, I guess. It seems more open, which looks nice and is welcoming, but maybe it's too much wasted space. Are there more or less computers? It seems like less, but I'm not sure. The new seats are really nice - it's nice to have more space to sit near the windows. Mostly, I hope it's more convenient for the library staff, since they are the ones that actually have to work there, but I can't offer an opinion on that. I suppose right now they're just glad to be out of that basement, and I'm just glad I don't need to go through 5 heavy doors to get into the library anymore."

"Inefficient use of space."

"Frankly, I can't say I like it. It looks like Times Square, there's a lot of wasted space... and I miss the big silent study tables...they were very practical and I liked them. I like the old DP.... I think you should shift everything closer to the door and put the big silent study tables back there again."

"I really like how open & bright it is. The blue leather chairs are a nice touch. Looks great!"

"Love it! So spacious, airy and bright."

"A lot of wasted space in front of the main entrance--could have been used for more computers or couch area. Overall it's good."

"Looks very professional. Spacious. Very nice!!"

"Very nice! Love the open concept. Much easier to find what you need. Lighting is great. Love the seating areas."

"More round booths would have been better. A lot of unused open space in the front foyer. Slippery floors in the winter. More single study tables & chairs by tables."

"Lots of wasted space in front of elevators and info desk."

"Good choice of colours. Need way more group study tables & laptop stations! Too spacious, more couches would help...such as the 1 booth style table on the left."

"Not necessary, do not see any advantages. The automated door in winter will make the info desk extremely cold. Too empty, space not cozy."

"It is very posh and spacious. But where are the rest of the computers? Also, you should put some sculptures or art in the big space when you first walk in."

"It's very stylish and appealing to my eyes. I love it compared to the old main floor. If I have one complaint it is that the floor feels a little empty, especially right in front of the entrance."

"Love it. A lot more spacious. Very modern, clean look."

"Sliding doors are very institutional in an unwelcoming way. "Foyer"(?) space seems a waste of space. Otherwise pretty nice."

"Nice and open, but a lot of unused empty space."

"Very nice. Much more space & much more functional! Good job!"

"Looks nice. Glad there's more lounge/meeting space. Feels bright and open. Lobby area somewhat sterile though."

"The library main floor is very spacious and some space could be used for seating, books or computers."

"Looks great--bright & spacious. Inviting!"

"I think it is ok but I feel there is too much space in the middle which could have been used for more study space/computers."

"Very modern but too much empty & unused space. We need more couches, desks and computers!"

"Too much wasted space in the middle of the 2nd floor."

"Very spacious. Feels more like a library. Love all the new seating areas and new seats."

"I like it a lot! It's very modern, simple to navigate & I really like the open-concept feel. I like how the computers are sit-down & that there are many more of them. Nice use of colours too. Great job! Definitely what DP needed.
P. S. It's too cold in here! Turn up the heat! Thanks."

"Sleek design, nice open space, comfy chairs, very modern."

"Great. More roomy."

"Very nice and spacious...I hope upstairs will have lots of study space (desks and individual cubicles)."

"It looks a bit like some futuristic space shuttle and I can't say I'm thrilled with the colour scheme, but it is nice having so much more space. My only real frustration with the new design is that, as far as I can tell, there is only one printer! If there is another one, it might be profitable to put a sign up so people know where it is."

"Very spacious and appealing to the eye."

"I really like the overall look of the floor. It is bright and spacious. I really don't like the feature wall though. It is not what I had envisioned. To me it looks like a piece of bristol board with words printed on it, taped to the inside of the glass window. I had thought the words would be part of the wall not just in a little glass window."

"I like it. I think it is spacious and it provides a social - study environment. I also think the access to computer workstations has improved. However, I would like to see the "new books" shelf up and running soon - and faster internet connections for both wireless computers and the PC stations."

"Its good but there's alot of wasted space in the middle of the floor. Perhaps put more computers? Or even make a whole floor (3?) basically a computer floor. DP main floor is hot though!"

"The place is a massive improvement. However, there's a lot of wasted space near the circulation desk area (near the new computers to the left of entrance. This space can be used to put more computers as I think there is still an insufficient amount of computers!!! Furthermore, I've noticed there are 3 printers but just 1 swipe card machine. What's the point of having 3 printers with just 1 swipe card machine? Should increase to 2 swipe card machine."

"Very nice, open, bright, social space. Now can we please build another floor to accommodate not just more books but the ones we already have?"

"I like it, very open, very contemporary. I like the new arrangements / layouts and more outlets!"

"It looks amazing, though it needs a wow! factor in the middle of the floor as it looks too spacious... a fountain or a large statue would really enhance that space."

"More computers and places to sit. Too much empty space."

"It looks great! I especially love the automatic doors and the new computer stations. I do have two suggestions though. First, the cafe (Browsers) could use more seating. Secondly, the foyer right before you reach the information desk is too empty. Perhaps a waterfall or artwork such as some statues would make it feel less barren. Otherwise, I think it's great!"

"Great! I love the open space around the entrance. Could have more computers on the main floor. Otherwise, great study environment."

"I think it looks great! More open and great colours! What about the big space in the middle?"

"Very interesting and well planned. Lots of space. 100% better than what it was. The colours are dark, maybe that's the smallest point. Maybe needs some little ornaments to make it look nicer. But in general it's nice and functional."

"Looks soooo much better than before! Great job. Some parts look very empty though and too spacious."

"It is super good and nice! I am wondering who designed this? It becomes more spacious, more room can be used, flexible and effective! Great..."


November 27, 2008