Values
(location, access, outlook, climate)
Whose values are reflected in the
design of this space?
• The library staff: lots of
floor space given to
books/print resources
(particularly non-fiction);
library staff have complete
control over layout
• Able-bodied students who
are easily able to move
around the furniture
• Students: there is an art
gallery of student work
along one of the walls
• Senior students: seniors
have a permanent
independent study booking
in one of the library spaces.
This limits access for other
classes.
• Classes able to work
independently; teaching
space is not well-designed
for classes required
extensive teacher
support/instruction
What values are reflected in the
design of this space?
• The importance of books:
shelving (particularly for
non-fiction) takes up a
large amount of space
• Group/collaborative
learning: the majority of
the tables are arranged in
group formations
• Pedagogies related to
independent or
Activities
(building structure, skin, climate
What activities are enabled by the
design of this space?
• Collaboration/socialising
among students
• Research tasks
• Laptop usage: the laptop
bar provides charging ports
for up to 36 students
• Reading
• Access to printing
• Chess and other board
games
• Student and teacher access
to IT help
• Independent work
• Homework club after school
• Lunch time clubs cater to
various student interests
e.g. Chess, Board Games,
Dungeons and Dragons,
Anime
What activities are inconvenienced
or prevented by its design?
• Independent study is not
easy due to the noise
during lunchtimes
• Teaching: multiple classes
use the library at one time
but the space is open.
Therefore, giving
instructions/explicit
teaching would disrupt
other classes.
• Large presentations (e.g.
for author visits): furniture
is not easily moved
• No room for a makerspace
Site/System
What physical attributes of the site
contribute positively to users’
experience of this space?
• Central location within
school, short walk from
Administration building
under covered walkway
• Located on second floor of
building via stairs (and a
lift)
• 5 desktop computers and
20 library laptops allow
students to access
technology if they do not
have their own device
• Two large display boards
help to promote library
services/events and book
displays
• Multiple display shelves to
showcase particular books
• Access before school,
during breaks and
afterschool most days
What physical attributes of the site
impact negatively on users’
experience of this space?
• The crowded layout of the
furniture inhibits
movement.
• Single exit door causes
“traffic jams” when
students leave at the end
of lunch
• Unattractive décor, dark
brickwork
Technology
control, layout, services, finishes)
What technical aspects of the
building design contribute
positively to users’ experience of
this space?
• Open space – generally
good supervision from
circulation desk
• Lift access (library is on the
second floor of building)
• Air-conditioning/heating
• IT services are located in
the library
• Access to print and digital
resources
• Full-time library technician
and full-time teacher-
librarian
• One moveable eboard for
teachers to use to display
PowerPoints etc. during
lessons.
What technical aspects of the
building design impact negatively
on users’ experience of this space?
• Paintwork is old, peeling
• Dark brickwork
• Lack of ventilation forces
reliance on air-conditioning
(increase in electricity
consumption)
• Broken and dirty metal
louvres on outside of the
building
• One set of stairs used to
access the building is
 inquiry/research work • Non-fiction collection is currently under repair due
• Emphasis on print crowded and largely out- to stability issues
resources as opposed to dated or irrelevant. It is
digital hard for students to find
useful or interesting
resources.
Whose values are overlooked? • Inadequate numbers of bag
racks result in bags all over
• Less able-bodied students the entry, impeding access
would find it difficult to
move around the furniture
(particularly students/staff
on crutches/in wheelchairs)
• Anxious students who need
a quiet space at lunchtime;
the library is too noisy
• Students who require quiet
study time during breaks
• Cleaners: due to amount of
furniture, it is difficult to
keep the library clean
• Teachers/reading classes,
students are spread out in
multiple locations or at
desks. This can be a
problem for supervision.

What values are overlooked?

• 21st Century
technology/digital
resources: wifi is spotty
when library is busy
• Flexibility and adaptability
of space and furniture to
account for different needs
or pedagogical styles
• Accessibility for students
and classes to access
library/TL services and
resources (due to limited
space available)
System of human relationships System of human activity System to support human Production of the built space
activity system
What feelings, attitudes, beliefs What processes, information For you, as learning space For you, as learning space
customs or laws does this learning sources or support services assist designer, what are the most designer what are the most
space evoke for you? your use of this space? inspiring features of the site? inspiring features of the building?

The library is a hub of activity that The library is extremely popular The open-plan layout of the library The library is centrally located
promotes inquiry and with students and is well used presents great potential for a within the school and easily
collaboration. However, while the before school and during breaks. flexible space to suit the different accessible by stairs or lift. The
library is well used by students, it Students can engage in a range of needs of students and teachers. At large bank of windows along the
does not feel like a priority for the activities and access IT services present, the potential for flexibility north-facing wall provide plenty of
administration team. The peeling and other resources. However, is limited due to the type and natural light and a view of
paintwork, dark brick walls and due to the small size of the library arrangement of furniture. students on the oval.
mismatched furniture seem to in comparison with the size of the
reflect a lack of interest by the school, not all classes are able to
school administration. access the library when they need
to (e.g. during research tasks).
The open-plan design results in a
noisy environment that is not
conducive to quiet study and can
limit the types of activities/classes
that take place.

© Raylee Elliott Burns (2003) VAST designing heuristic. Prepared using the work of Dr Tom Heath. Permission is given for this page to be copied with this footnote retained. This document may not be published in any other
form without the permission of Raylee Elliott Burns. Heath, T. (1989). Introduction to design theory. Brisbane: Queensland University of Technology. Adapted by Hilary Hughes 2013.