Precendent analysis of Vance H. Chavis Life Long Library

As group of 4 we collaborated and decided to break the project up into sections to analyze the current context of the Vance H. Chavis Life Long Library as well as some history of the library.
I was given the responsibility of observing the exterior and interior circulation. Below are diagrams of the 2. I was also given the responsibility of understanding the building's environmental impact, which will be discussed later.
The above image illustrates the vehicular and pedestrian access. As one observed there are to entrances in the parking lot, therefore traffic congestion is least likely to occur. Minimal parking may also be a factor to less traffic congest as well as the surrounding setting. The surrounding area consist of residential dwellings and single family homes. Therefore, because they are in close proximity of the library the surrounding residents in the area are likely to walk to the library. To those who are in need of ADA accessibility the buildings is at ground level however, it one is driving a vehicle with a retractable ramp the ADA accessible parking spaces are not wide enough to extend the wheel chair ramp out.


The above image illustrates the current circulation of the public users of the library. At the entrance and the station for are adult computers there is typically congestion. There is not enough floor space near these areas to allow an easy flow of traffic. Also within the building there are no outlets along the walls of the facility. The only available outlets are centrally place on the supporting columns. This is hazardous to through traffic when those who need access to the outlets when using laptop computers.

Environmental Impact

The building is historical to the community particular the African-American community. It has undergone many transformations, including 3 expansions. However, the building is now landlocked. Due to this factor there are 3 HVAC systems within the building. Each expansion required separate HVAC systems. The building itself is constructed of brick. Furthermore, brick is exposed within the building and the buildings sits on a concrete slab. Therefore, in the summer the interior climate is just at hot as the exterior climate vice versa the climate in the winter season. As a result, the HVAC system are priority needed to be addressed because they are used more to either cooling the building or heating the building. Moreover, a position asset is the minimal parking that is available to users. As a result of minimal parking more users choose to walk to the library.

Group Presentation Layout