Cornell design students have conceived a new learning center, stocked with educational resources and material samples, to introduce their peers to new ideas in design practice and research and to inspire collaboration.

dLib (short for Design Library), designed and managed by undergraduates in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis (DEA) in the College of Human Ecology, opened Sept. 22 in the Martha Van Rensselaer Hall east wing. Project leaders describe the space as one that deepens students' connections -- to the design business and industry; to alumni in related fields; and to innovative and sustainable materials and products, for instance.

"dLib is more than just a sample and material resource room. It is a learning hub for any student who has passion for design and new ideas," said DEA senior Joo Young Ro, one of four "dteam" students who curate the space. "Students will have an opportunity to not only learn about innovative and sustainable resources but also expand their design insights beyond classroom and studio settings and connect to design practice in the real world."

The idea for the library grew out of a senior design studio taught last year by DEA lecturer Leah Scolere, who charged her class with restructuring the department's existing resource center. The students developed a comprehensive proposal to create a new graphic identity, refined content, improved organization, streamlined operations and dBlog, a companion virtual library.

"Before, the material samples were stored in a room that had high black cabinets that limited visibility," said Scolere. "It didn't allow for curiosity or experimentation. Now we use flexible storage components to encourage students to dive right in. It's a working space that focuses on design process, not just a place to find things."

To encourage teamwork, the space includes a magnetic glass ideation wall to display topical materials and ideas and flexible workstations that can be expanded for group interactions. The student team is also planning a series of "Lunch + Learn" public lectures to invite alumni and industry professionals to meet with students.

Team members are also building relationships with business representatives to obtain resources related to interior design, product design, ergonomics and facility planning. As students seek out new materials to share, they also learn firsthand how the business works.

"Being on the dteam gives me an outlet to connect with vendors and local professionals in a way that demystifies the process and makes contacting vendors for materials a lot less intimidating," said Brie Reid '12.

Along with traditional books and magazines, dLib contains hundreds of innovative and sustainable material samples in such categories as wood, stone and tile, glass and resin, metal and hardware, lighting and flooring.

Ultimately, dLib curator and interior design major Hannah Zalusky '13 said she hopes the space will offer "tangible inspiration" to students.

"Seeing and feeling a material sample gives a much better understanding of its qualities than looking at it online," she added.

Ted Boscia is assistant director of communications for the College of Human Ecology.