Hanyang University (HYU)’s Paiknam Library has been under construction since April 28th, 2017, and is expected to be completed in the middle of July. The process is taking relatively longer compared to past projects because the construction will be put to a stop during the final exam period due to the noise. Major parts of the construction have been focused on the Electronic Information Search Room, Book Café on the first floor and the lounge on the first basement level.
The Learning Support’s team is in charge of prescribing a budget and planning overall construction, with the help of the HYU Venture Care Center. The Learning Support’s team devised this remodeling plan to make the library a more relaxing space where students can not only study, but also rest. “Open space for relaxation is the current trend. To make such spaces available, we conducted a survey in order to find out what kind of places students need, and their responses were largely the same.” explained Kim Il-kyu, the Chief of Construction. In the newly redesigned spaces, sofas and couches will be provided, as well as an open room for discussion. Moreover, old equipment like computers, shelves, and desks will also be replaced with new ones.
During the construction, the wall on the first floor was torn down for maximum space. Construction on the lounge started later as not much operation was needed. Also, due to all the replacements, the current women’s lounge will be moved to the room in front of the photocopying section, with the vacant room being utilized as a discussion area.
Officials highly anticipate that these changes will provide HYU students with more convenience, when they are completed. For other facilities, the Paiknam Library is planning to change little by little for the utmost satisfaction of the students.