Abstract

My capstone project proposal is to develop a children’s library and academic center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This facility will be located in downtown Baton Rouge in an 18,000 square foot building on Main Street. Inside these walls will be an environment focused completely on children’s learning and development. I want to create an exciting, innovative space that encourages creativity and imagination. The hypothetical client for this project will be the Library Board of Controls for the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library System.

Project Concept

The Baton Rouge Children’s Library will serve as learning destination in the community for all local children. This environment will be a place where reading and learning are an adventure and imagination is encouraged, so that children explore and learn about the world around them. The adventure begins as children step into the front door. They will be in awe of larger than life elements such as trees with book shelves built into them or castles to climb up in and read a book. The exciting elements will flow into the academic center within the library and inspire creativity there as well. The library’s connection to the community will be an integral part of its success. Small exhibit space and interactive learning technology may even attack local school field trips to this site. Overall, the main purpose of this development will be to create a safe and stimulating environment for children to learn in and want to continue visiting.