Janice Suchan and Tod Stevens

The Future of University Libraries Lecture Series

Libraries of the Future I Learning Just Got Sexy

University libraries are often seen as a central, educational and social hub in communities. They are places for academic development - palaces of knowledge. In an era of changing workstyles, evolving research trends, and expanding technologies, how and where does the university library fit? What is the role of physical space in a digital world?  How are libraries being designed to fit today's needs and what trends do we see emerging to future-proof their impact? 

LTU’s College of Architecture and Design is excited to engage the educational community in these questions and more during our lecture series on the re-imagining of academic libraries. Join us as we explore this important topic with industry professionals

For our second lecture, Janice Suchan, AIA and Tod Stevens, FAIA will be discussing two very innovative Library Learning and Information Common projects that they partnered on, while principals at Stantec. The Grand Valley State University, Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons was informed by nearly a year-long primary research effort for the GVSU’s hallmark “Library of the Future”. The team analyzed spaces that support learners and garnered insights into students’ personal, social, and academic needs. Leading to a project where every aspect of the design was informed by the habits, expectations, and academic requirements of today’s students that broke the mold of the traditional academic library.

This LEED Platinum project is widely published and has become a case study for Steelcase in their industry 360 magazine and Active Learning Spaces publications, and featured in scholarly academic white papers. Named one of five “2016 New Landmark Libraries” in the United States by Library Journal. The jury cited, “that the library supports the whole student through the academic journey.” Kettering University conducted a national benchmarking tour of library and academic spaces to create a state-of-the-art Learning Commons that will serve as the hub of faculty-student interactions, student-industry collaboration, flexible learning spaces, and the next century digital and physical library.

The Learning Commons will synthesize every aspect of advanced technology and engagement into a connective, vibrant laboratory of living and learning. Virtually every space will be dedicated to students, inviting ad hoc study groups to form easily and seamlessly. The building itself will reflect its open and collaborative purpose, with limitless views, adaptable spaces and an approximately 200-seat auditorium for more formal presentations and community events. Everything will be anchored to the rest of the campus via a breathtaking connector - a glass enclosed causeway that features an ever-changing art gallery and connection to an outdoor amphitheater.

This presentation will:

• bring insights from case studies on how libraries are ever adapting to the social, technological and sustainable pressures of the modern world.
• feature case studies on two real-world projects with the top to bottom thinking behind them. With a focus on the importance of academic libraries, especially in today's Google world. 
• include the forward thinking steps and trends incorporated in both of these projects and discussions around the means through which the team met the mission of the campuses and the needs of their students.

About Janice

Janice Suchan, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP is an architect and Vice President at Clark Construction Company, a Michigan based construction management firm building upon its 75-year history of pushing boundaries through innovation and creating the best place to work.  Janice leads a diverse team in several markets (K12, Higher Education, Healthcare, Municipal, Government + Private) to build the company’s top line, and secure $450M+ of work annually.  In addition, she co-leads the company’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity + Inclusion) and Women @ Work programs. Prior to her role at Clark, Janice was a Senior Principal and Managing Leader of the Berkley, Michigan office of Stantec Architecture, a full service architectural and engineering firm focused on community-driven design.   Janice graduated from the University of Detroit in 1994 and has dedicated a large portion of her career to the management, development, and design of innovative higher educational projects, including Central Michigan University’s Biosciences Building and Kettering University’s Learning Commons. 

Passionate about architecture, construction, business and management, Janice has been previously recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as a “40 Under 40” rising star, as well as AIA Detroit’s “Young Architect of the Year”.   Janice also serves her community as a Board of Trustee for Notre Dame Preparatory + Marist Academy, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture Advisory Board and the SE Michigan ACE Mentorship Program Board, as well as serves on the AGC (Associated General Contractors) DEI committee.  Born in Detroit, Janice currently lives in Rochester Hills with her husband and high school sweetheart, and is a proud mom of two amazing children. Clark Constuction Company

About Tod

Tod Stevens is a designer, researcher, practice leader, and educator. Recently elevated to the AIA College of Fellows for his award-winning architecture, his educational architecture engages research, sustainability, and craft, to impact learning and provide inspirational environments for generations in their scholarly pursuit of knowledge. For more than three decades, Tod has been leading architectural designs across the United States, making significant contributions to the transformation of the educational environments of today and tomorrow. Tod’s influence on the next generation of architects and interior designers is demonstrated through his ten years of adjunct teaching at Lawrence Technological University.