RNL Design leads major overhaul of Denver Public Library for Denver Summit of the Eight.

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 18, 1997--Transforming the Denver Public Library into a world-class meeting venue has been both exciting and challenging for Denver-based architectural and interior design firm RNL Design.

Charged with the job of designing and coordinating all conference facility improvements for the Denver Summit of the Eight, RNL Design has had the privilege of creating a functional and stimulating ambience for the world's most powerful leaders.

"From the design of the meeting table and custom carpeting, to the lighting and directional signage, RNL Design is honored to serve as the lead design firm for such an historical event in Denver," Philip H. Goedert, president and CEO of RNL Design, says. "We have worked together with both City and Summit of the Eight organizers to create an elegant design that represents the new spirit of the West and the Rocky Mountain region."

Highlights of the Library's temporary interior facelift include the design of a lobby/reception area just outside the Rotunda meeting room, a custom meeting table, special meeting room lighting to accommodate meeting and press events, custom-designed carpeting, the creation of a dining area on the seventh floor of the library, signage throughout the facility and the "restoration" of the Library to its original state following the Summit.

"Our job is to create an atmosphere that is representative of Denver and the United States, while at the same time meeting the demanding requirements of staging such a high-profile event," Peter F. Einsle, AIA, senior associate and project manager for RNL Design, says. "With a tight time-frame, and the fact that we spent two months planning for the Denver Museum of Natural History before the venue was changed, this project has tested the expertise and professionalism of everyone working on the project."

DESIGN THEME

Through many design revisions and input from the City and the host committee, RNL Design has incorporated the City of Denver emblem and a "New West" theme throughout various design elements. The Denver logo, with its distinctive mountain and setting sun background, is used in abstract and literal form on both the meeting table and the custom carpets.

THE "LEGACY TABLE"

The centerpiece of the Library Rotunda meeting area is the circular, custom-designed meeting table. The table was designed by Michael Simpson, project architect for RNL Design, and built by New Classics Creations, L.L.C. Michael says the table seats 10, is 12'6" in diameter (so each person at the table has 4 feet of space), weighs about 500 pounds, and is constructed of 3/4-inch birch ply. "The table is designed to be a legacy of the Denver Summit, an artifact of the event itself and an artifact of the New West rather than the Old West," Simpson says. The City of Denver logo is used repeatedly in the table design. It appears prominently on the table's base. On the table-top, four Denver logos are featured in a raised section at the center of the table (creating a criss-cross pattern) and in a series of inlays at each of the 10 places at the table. The table logos are crafted of wood veneers. The base is made of aspen with cherry accent (the aspen to show off local materials). The four center logos are cherry on aspen, and the 10 inlay logos are aspen on aspen. Simpson describes the table's style as "deliberately contemporary, yet it incorporates design motifs, including the logo, to produce an overall image sympathetic to the mountains and the Old West." The table is sponsored by the Gates and Boettcher foundations, and after the Summit it will remain in Denver in a public building, to be determined after the conference.

CUSTOM CARPETS

RNL Design custom-designed two carpets, both featuring the City of Denver logo. The emblem is "carved" into the overlay carpets that will serve to greet dignitaries in the Great Hall reception area and Rotunda meeting room. The Rotunda carpet is a dark, rich cobalt blue in a round shape. The Great Hall carpet is rectangular, with a deep red background for the city logo.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The interior design creates a "Colorado western" feel throughout the Library through the use of upholstery on furniture, mainly worn brown leather with rivets. Rosalie Ruwart, interior designer for RNL Design, says interior design accessories, like plants and wall hangings, complement the overall design objective. The result is a warm, comfortable, lodge-like ambience.

FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS

In addition to creating an attractive and beautiful setting for the Denver Summit of the Eight, RNL Design and its mechanical and electrical engineering consultant BCER, Inc. faced many functional and logistical challenges. These issues include accommodating press and photo opportunities, stationing and managing the electronics required by translators and communications systems and modifying lighting in the Rotunda without damaging the existing library infrastructure. Other important concerns required that all elements be designed to accommodate the speedy restoration of the Library at the conclusion of the Summit and the use of existing furniture and equipment from the Library in the Rotunda and Great Hall.

RNL DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS

The following RNL Design staff members contributed to the Denver Summit of the Eight design project:

Philip H. Goedert -- President and CEO Peter F. Einsle, AIA -- Senior Associate and Project Manager Michael Simpson -- Project Architect Rosalie Ruwart -- Interior Designer

ABOUT RNL DESIGN

Founded in 1956, RNL Design is one of the leading planning and architectural design firms in the country. With more than 140 employees, the firm provides a full range of services to corporate, industrial and public clients. The broad pallet of services includes planning and programming, facility analysis, master planning and urban design, architectural and interior design, engineering systems design and coordination, site landscape design/coordination, industrial design/work flow layout, implementation/construction facilitation, and total design-build/turnkey services. RNL Design operates a branch office in Los Angeles and offers engineering services through its M/E/P division. The firm recently moved into a new corporate headquarters at 1515 Arapahoe Street, Tower 3, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80202.

CONTACT: RNL Design

Daniel F. Jacobs, 303/295-1717

or

Murrel Public Relations 

Guy Murrel, 303/581-7760