“ This studio has been installed in an indigenous community in Vancouver B.C. Canada that seeks to keep their ancestral language alive by bringing together native speakers (who are mostly elderly) with younger people who are interested in learning to speak the language. Tribal members and/or scholars plan to record and transcribe spoken word lessons and meetings during interviews and other events. Provide seating that makes the best use of the limited space available while creating a comfortable atmosphere and seating for participants. It is important that all participants can see one another, and some may be writing on digital or analogue devices. Provide a large “white board” writing surface and a monitor that can be covered when not in use. Keep in mind that many of the native speakers are elderly. Consider how sustainable furnishings can align with tribal values while providing appropriate ergonomics. ”

“ Your client is committed to the modular concept and modernist detailing of the Studio, and they are especially interested in your leadership in appropriate furniture/equipment selections and historically compatible but modern elements and details. They have come to you to provide design ideas that work to best utilize the modular structure and refurbished components. The studio has been installed in the exact configuration shown in the floor plan. There are no internal partitions existing and the studio has no plumbing. Please furnish the studio according to the following basic design program and scenarios below. ”

Learning “Devices”:

• The concept of having a mobile whiteboard would maximize learning in the Living Language Laboratory. This would allow for many more personalized activities to take place within the space. For example, activities could be small groups meeting and utilizing the whiteboard to practice their learning and knowledge in a less stressful learning circle.

Closet Niches:

• (with a unique learning twist) Having a fold down tabletop in the closet niches would extremely help in maximizing the small space. Not only would this unique tabletop idea help to maximize the space, they would also allow the space to be utilized in a more versatile way. For this, I think that the best way to create versatility in the fold down tabletops is to incorporate the folded tabletop (when it is against the wall) into some sort of board that can be written on. This could be done easily with a whiteboard surface. But, the idea of having a roll of physical paper stands out to me as the community could take home and save their work that they’ve done in the Living Language Laboratory.

Central Seating:

• By making the decision to include a circular, central couch, the design has the possibility of seating the highest number of people in the small space. This style couch will allow for everyone to be visible to one another when seated. By having the couch dug into the floor, the space will feel and appear to be much larger than it is in reality.

The intentions behind the Living Language Library is to be a space where all aged people have the opportunity to learn language in a space that centralizes around community and inclusion. This is demonstrated through circular elements which promote the feeling of "together-ness". Space conservation is utilized through folding desks for the translator's niches. The lofted semi-circle ceiling also enhances the space's acoustics and the circular elements within.