1. GVSU
Mary Idema Pew Learning &
Information Commons
JUNE 2013
ALLENDALE,MI
Grand Valley State University’s main
Allendale campus opened its doors to
the new Mary Idema Pew Learning and
Information Commons in Fall 2013. By
design, the library is drastically differ-
ent than a typical library and serves a
variety of needs, much more than just
holding books and accommodating
quiet study sessions.
The design process for the GVSU
library began more than a decade ago,
giving close consideration to student
behaviors and looking at how furniture
selections can help create a desired
learning environment. Key features
include: open space that is designed to
encourage cooperative learning and
group collaboration; a variety of
settings for group meetings; private
and quiet individual spaces into which
students can retreat; food and coffee
service for the students; a Learning
Alcove; a Knowledge Market that
operates much like an Apple Store; a
separate wing that houses all the books
(150,000 of them); a dedicated event
space; several reading rooms; an
outdoor deck and garden area; and
plenty of office space for faculty. Easy
access power and technology are
incorporated throughout the building.
Furniture design and selection
proved to be the largest, most crucial
factor in making this library a success.
Custer Design, led by Beth Godfrey,
worked on designing the space with
the GVSU library staff for over two
years. Custer Furnishings, led by
Mark Custer, worked with Steelcase
to outfit the entire building in beauti-
ful settings from Steelcase, Inc. and
Coalesse product divisions. Custer
Operations and Project Management
did an excellent job in executing this
complex project within the required
time frame.
GVSUMary Idema Pew Learning
& Information Commons
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2. www.custeronline.com
The main focus in designing this library was to
think outside the box and wonder what the
“library of the future” might look like. To accom-
plish this, a multitude of different furniture settings
were provided to give students several options for
where and how they study or collaborate.
Meeting rooms can be reserved for group projects
and computers are readily available for anyone to
use. Work benches include desk height power to
plug-in laptops or charge tablets and handheld
devices. Mobile whiteboards and moveable
furniture can be arranged for a private study area
and then re-arranged to accommodate a large
study group.
Pops of color in the flooring, furnishings and
artwork add energy to the space and make it a fun
and inviting place to learn and study.
Steelcase media:scape mobile (pictured to the
left) integrates collaboration, technology, and
mobility through an interactive group interface
with the use of a 40” Samsung High Definition
LED display. Designed for a “walk up and
connect” experience, multiple users can plug
into the media:scape mobile to share digital
information quickly and easily.
Steelcase RoomWizards are outside meeting
spaces to allow for remote reservation and
class scheduling. Meetings can be managed
seamlessly via web, laptop, or smartphone.
Rooms can also be reserved instantly whenever
an open space is found. Status lights show
availability and the 7” touch screen provides a
simple interface for ease of use.
Frame One by Steelcase, pictured right, offers
workstations for students including work tools,
lighting and power access. Think chairs provide
a comfortable place to sit and work for long
periods of time. The Coalesse Bix Bench with
Back Screen paired with the Bix Table creates a
booth-like setting for small groups to meet.
Lounge seating by Coalesse can be found
throughout the building’s concourse level
(pictured above), from bright orange
sled-based chairs to soft yellow lounge chairs
and modern stream-lined benches. Also
included are Turnstone Jenny chairs and
mobile i2i chairs by Steelcase.
Faculty areas are furnished with Steelcase
Answer systems, Amia chairs, and a combina-
tion of Groupworks and Coalesse tables.
DESIGN
FURNISHINGS
TECHNOLOGY
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3. Custer Team:
Account Manager: Mark Custer
Design Lead: Beth Godfrey
Sales Associate: Vicki Wiggers
Lead Installer/PM: Steve Zaworski
Products used:
Steelcase workstations
Steelcase seating
Steelcase private offices
Steelcase media:scape mobile
Steelcase Post and Beam
Steelcase RoomWizard schedulers
Coalesse lounge areas
Coalesse conference settings
Coalesse collaboration areas
Custer custom screens
Custer custom table bases
Partners:
GVSU Facilities: Jim Flanders
GVSU Library Staff: Lee Van Orsdel
Construction: Pioneer Construction
“If students use this space and furni-
ture as we are hoping and thinking
they will, this building will be a
treasure for this campus for decades
to come.”
- Lee Van Orsdel
Dean of Universities Libraries
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