Today's Creative Spaces track took us through architecture school in just four short hours. Not only did we get a crash course in Architecture 101, we also got lots of hands on training building arches, designing libraries made of apples, and making a full building out of enormous pieces of foam core board.

The day's discussion was led by Dennis Humphries and Ozi Friedrich of Humphries Poli Architects. The architects were pleasant and patient, clearly enjoying explaining how they approach library design. We were all given a really great workbook clearly explaining each design element and giving us more to fuel our creativity on the ride back home. The magnificent view on the outdoor balcony didn't hurt to illustrate the inspirational images members of the team had brought from home to show off.

Creative Spaces track participants also got real hands on experience looking at concepts of lighting design and framing views, using giant pieces of foam core to block the light streaming in to the Peaks resort. We built huge rows of shelving, experimenting with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal views of the space. Playing with giant framing devices definitely helped me to visualize the potential of the spaces we worked in - and it was fun to play with design in such a hands on way.

I learned a lot about library design that I've never encountered in library school or a traditional conference setting. R2 keeps surprising me!