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The current literature corroborates that libraries need to provide collaborative and interactive
learning spaces while being the center of the community, however with the internet and digital access
libraries are predicted to be less used [11,42] as it seems to be in the UAEU Main library. The library
should be a place that combines the new technological ways of information with the traditional sources
of knowledge in a healthy user‐focused, service‐rich environment that supports today’s social and
educational patterns of learning, teaching, and research in order to provide a transparent, productive,
healthy, easy to use and navigate library space and services [43–44 ].
In this regard, nature has a great effect on the human health and well‐being [45–47] , as further
developed as Biophilia benefits that are increasingly sought in architectural design [48–52] . One of the
major benefits of Biophilic Design is on the human cognitive functioning in which it encompasses the
ability to think, learn, as well as be creative and productive [50, 53]. These benefits provide good
methodologies to improve the academic library space in order to meet its intended goals. These goals
could best be achieved for the context of UAEU Library through but not limited to [55]:
Providing accessible and visual connection to the views of natural landscape and waterscape
attached to the Library, features fostering reduced stress and improved concentration [56].
Enable direct daylight through windows and providing different lighting options depending
on zones and usage that promote visual comfort and enhance productivity [57].
Integrate natural elements to interior design and library zones configurations. Such as
providing natural ventilation, using bio‐inspired materials and colors for furniture and
decorations, which beneficially contribute to users cognitive functioning while reducing stress
levels [53].
5. Conclusion
The library has always been more than a warehouse for recorded knowledge. It provides a place
for contemplation, integration and creation of new ideas. Thus, the library as a place will have a
continual role in institutions. It seems unlikely that student use of libraries as places will diminish much
in the foreseeable future. Design solutions, which would contribute to providing an indoor space with
natural elements that are modern and healthy, have been suggested briefly in relation to literature.
This paper explored the UAEU Main Library functionality, users experience and enabled to
identify how the library spaces and services are being perceived, what factors facilitates the library
usage and how it could be redesigned to serve students better while providing a sense of place.
Findings from the research observations and interviews indicated that UAEU Library is inadequate
and does not in, it’s current form; manifest a healthy environment for students. Dysfunctional layouts,
activities allocation, furnishing and access to natural daylight and views seem to be the main obstacles
to a better usage of the library. Students while fulfilling their need for a functional and productive
space anticipate consideration of a renovation of the library through inclusion of Biophilic Design
patterns, to increase its usage. Further studies may seek to include a larger corpus of all stakeholders
including a larger number of students, staff, faculty members and managers, while a tuned and more
detailed analysis driven by gender, age or curriculum could reveal more opportunities to adequately
meet all the users’ needs.
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ZEMCH 2019 International Conference l Seoul, Korea