In order to be accessible for people with a broad range of ability limitations, overhead power cords would have to be at about light switch height, which would be unsightly, impractical, and probably hazardous. Power poles by themselves are not terribly attractive, but if you could create a design feature to enclose the power run, that might be more aesthetically acceptable. Then, if your flooring would accommodate some slight cutting and patching, you might identify a central location where you could bring power from overhead and then do some limited distribution from that point to other desks. Reconfiguration of the space might be a way to extend power along the backs or undersides of furniture and storage units, but that may put unwanted barriers in the layout of the space. This is the kind of creative problem solving that an architect could be helpful with, even if it is a minor project like this. But a specific solution would depend on the particular conditions of your space, and your needs and schedule and budget. Regards, Philip Proefrock, AIA On 4/22/2016 12:00 PM, michlib-l-request@mcls.org wrote:
Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2016 13:27:17 +0000 From: "Grai, Rebecca" <grai@northwood.edu> Subject: [Michlib-l] adding electrical power to a library Hi all,
We are responding to our students request for more electrical outlets for their devices. The traditional wall outlets are inconvenient for how students work/study in the library. They typically do collaborative work at the larger desks. We are thinking about bringing outlets into those desks in the center of the library. The problem is that we have a concrete floor and it is difficult, and monetarily prohibitive to drill into it. So, we are looking for power sources originating from the ceiling. We are contemplating installing poles or pull down extension cords with multiple outlets on them. But, we are struggling with how this would ruin the aesthetics of our building. Does anyone have this type of ceiling drop down power source? Or, a different power source? Any ideas on how we could make them more pleasing to the eye?
You all are a great resource and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Grai Strosacker Library 989-837-4333
Northwood University - Developing the future leaders of a global free-enterprise society.