Charting a Century of Change

Makenna, a student in KU’s master’s in architecture program from Blue Springs, Mo., worked with KU Libraries to create a 3D modeling project, showing the evolution of the Watson Library building throughout 100 years of service. The project has yielded unique visual storytelling for the iconic library’s centennial celebration this fall and inspired a newfound love of historical research and restoration work. 

Watson Library, constructed in 1924, has seen multiple additions and changes as the library continuously adapted to a growing student population and rapidly shifting user needs over the decades.  

“It's amazing to be a part of [Watson’s centennial] and to be able to tell that story,” Makenna said. “I think my favorite part of my chosen career path is to be able to tell stories using visuals, so this is exactly what I love.”

Makenna was part of KU’s Dirt Works Studio, directed by Associate Professor Chad Kraus in the School of Architecture and Design, and has had a wide range of experiences through the studio and a past summer internship. Working with the libraries offered creative freedom and a chance to explore new aspects of design. 

She constructed a virtual 3D model of the library using a line-based modeling program, digitally drawing most elements by hand to capture the curves of the gothic-style windows and other historical details. With behind-the-scenes looks at library spaces, she experienced core elements of the original 1924 build first-hand, including the original wood beams and structure in the attic and “castle-esque” detailing on the roof.  

“The peaks of the roof and how they connect is actually very, very intricate and the only way I could model that was by seeing it in person,” she said. 

Makenna’s investigations also connected her to Kenneth Spencer Research Library where she studied Watson Library’s original hand-drawn blueprints and discovered many background stories about the building’s changes and additions. Working with librarians, archivists, and special collections also helped her discover a new passion. 

“I found that I really, really love research,” Makenna said. “Especially this type of research where it’s looking at plans and things that were hand-drawn a hundred years ago. I got to do that on my very first day which was just amazing.”

Makenna’s completed animated model illustrates the expansion and evolution of the building over time, bringing to life a timeline of significant changes to the front staircase, the digging of a sub-basement, the addition of multiple stacks, and east and west wings that greatly expanded capacity. These modifications were part of ongoing attempts to keep pace with the exponential growth of library use and collections that sometimes altered historical components of the library. 

“The way that the building has been restored wasn't to necessarily preserve the original feeling of the building, but to represent the era that the new build was in,” Makenna said. Interior elements from the 1980s, the last time a renovation was undertaken at the library, stand out as one example. 

As library supporters and university leaders look toward the future, Makenna hopes they will appreciate the history and value of the building in the process, and she has found joy in sharing her skills and insights as one part of the library’s ongoing story.  

“The library is core to campus. I know so many people that come here to study and spend most of their college time in this building,” she said. “It would be amazing for money to be put into this building as well by KU, to help, not quite restore it necessarily, it doesn't have to be how it was originally, but to bring it to today and to show appreciation for what was.” 

The 3D model will be housed on the Watson Centennial Celebration website at lib.ku.edu/watson100, and the finished product offers the libraries opportunities for other engagement activities like 3D printed giveaways and interactive displays.