Best of Core Forum: Elevating Public Spaces: Universal Design, Safety, and Community Voice in a Major Library Renovation

Description: 

Embarking on a major capital renovation presents unique challenges and opportunities, especially when transforming a well-loved public space. This session will explore how the library and design team embraced universal design principles, community input, and adaptive problem-solving to reimagine a prominent library space. From navigating unforeseen construction challenges—such as misaligned as-built drawings—to prioritizing safety, sustainability, and inclusivity, this discussion will highlight key takeaways for libraries planning their own capital projects. Attendees will gain insight into the power of collaboration and the importance of designing by the people, for the people.

Learning Outcomes: 

At the end of the webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Democracy in the Design Process: Participants will learn effective methods for gathering and incorporating community input into renovation projects, ensuring spaces reflect the needs and aspirations of their users. 
• Principles of Universal Design: Attendees will understand how universal design fosters safety, accessibility, and joy in public spaces and gain strategies to implement these principles in their own projects. 
• Adaptive Project Management: Participants will explore strategies for overcoming unexpected construction challenges while maintaining design intent, budget, and project momentum.

Who Should Attend: Administrators, facilities planners, anyone planning on undertaking a major renovation, anyone interested in how universal design and community input can be applied to building projects.

Presenters:

Eman Siddiqui esiddiqui@gsbsarchitects.com Eman Siddiqui is an award-winning architect from Salt Lake City, UT. Raised in Karachi, Pakistan, and trained in Lawrence, Kansas, Eman brought her background in sports architecture to the resort and hospitality practice at GSBS Architects. Her strong interest in equity and diversity in architecture led her to found the Utah. Ben Rodes brodes@gsbsarchitects.com

Ben Rodes is a Landscape Architect with GSBS Architects in Salt Lake City, UT, with over 10 years of experience in the public and private realm. He has practiced in Seattle, Boise, and Salt Lake City. Ben is passionate about playing outside in nature and believes that everyone should have access to the outdoors. As an adaptive athlete, Ben is passionate about inclusive design and creating public spaces that provide a welcoming environment to all users, allowing them to thrive in their communities. When Ben is not at his desk, you can find him in the Wasatch Mountains close to his home. Daniel Neville-Rehbehn dneville-rehbehn@slcpl.org

Daniel Neville-Rehbehn is the Chief Service & Impact Officer at the Salt Lake City Public Library, where he leads system-wide strategy with a focus on community-centered services and inclusive public spaces. With a background in design and community engagement, his work bridges organizational strategy and the built environment, helping translate library values into safe, welcoming, and functional spaces. Daniel has played a key role in guiding major capital projects by centering community voice, universal design, and adaptability throughout the process. He lives in Holladay, UT with his husband, young son, and a pair of unruly pets.

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