Kirjastossamme on toistamiseen aloittanut viime kuussa työskentelynsä sisustusarkkitehti Kathleen Tipton, ohessa hän vastailee lehden esittämiin kysymyksiin.
What is your project at our library?
I have been asked for the present to design computer-compatible study desks for students wishing to work in the main hall of the library.
How long will you be with us?
If possible, I would like to stay with this project right up until the very completion of the entire renovation, which would go beyond the immediate study desk portion of the project.
Have you read the customer feedback on this library? How do you feel about it?
Yes, I have. All comments are useful and worth considering in the long-term planning of an upgraded and more responsive university library.
What did you do when you were here the first time?
In 1993-1994, I prepared a detailed budget for the complete renovation of this library based on repair, upgrading and new design proposals for user and office areas.
What do you think about our library, as a building and as a library?
The number of problems up for renovation and renewal, the roof, the heating and ventilation system, general and task lighting to name just a few, are normal for a building of this age; it would be nice to do something about them though. Despite these inconveniences, the library I think remains an attractive place to come to for many reasons. Library staff and information services are, in my opinion, the best features at the moment for continuing user interest.
How would you like to change this library?
Simply upgrade every possible aspect.
Can you tell us something about your education and work experience?
I took my interior design degree in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at Ryerson Polytechnical University. The focus there is on interior architecture, and all aspects of a building's form and function as they relate to people using space. Furniture design is an area I have had the opportunity to develop here in Finland.
My mentors include Antti Nurmesniemi and Peter von Knorring; I have worked on large scale public building projects, participated in architectural competitions and recently designed a chair made of alder.
I came to Finland as a participant in the Canada-Finland Working
Holiday Exchange Programme, and later received Finnish citizenship.
The University of Technology is one of the more desirable places
to work for any interior designer or architect; I am very lucky
to have the opportunity to be here.