Library Buildings around the World

Library Abbeyleix, Abbeyleix – Ireland 2003
Awards:
RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2009
Best Conservation/Restauration Project
Library Abbeyleix awarded Best Conservation/Restoration Project Historically there are
four phases of development of the Market House, the original retangular plan with a small central capola on the ridge, the 1890's
reconstruction in a rural Italian style with new tower on the East elevation and the addition of mullion and transom windows, the
Fire Station Free State Art Deco transformation to use as a fire station with library on the first floor and the present Laois County
Council commision to a branch library. It was the Architect's ambition to re-pave the square (really it is a crescent), and this was
achieved by re-planning the car parking and planting Italian Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens Sastiata) to compliment the 1890's
building. During the course of the 2008 works the suspended timber vault was uncovered and exposed to view, the barn form which
compliments what was manifest externally.
The design of the library as a great room surrounded by books on three floors and a central reading room in the middle of the
square of the town. The design of each floor incorporates particular features of the library. The ground floor has entrance from
South, librarian's desk, Art Gallery, fireplace and catalogue. The first floor has adult lending, IT, reproduction, reference desk and
librarians office. The second floor is the childrens library with story telling theatre, children's desk and craft area. (de Blacam)
Box Architecture, Dublin – Ireland
http://www.box.ie
Libraries:
Ballyroan Library, Dublin-Rathfarnham – Ireland 2013
Architects: Box Architecture, Architect In Charge: Gary Mongey, Lighting Design: Wink Lighting, Area: 1,510 sqm
The AAI are hosting a site visit to Box Architecture’s current project, a new modern library in Dublin on Saturday 17th November.
This new project is the final phase of three new buildings, a library, a community and pastoral centre which create a local
community civic hub in Rathfarnham, Dublin. The main construction works, carried out by MDY Construction Ltd, are now
completed and the fit out currently ongoing. The development will be open to the public in Spring 2013.
(http://www.architecturefoundation.ie)
The library was built in the 1980’s and served the community well over the past decades. However the library became outdated, in
need of upgrading and became too small to deal with the collection of resources available to the community for reference or
borrowing. After much consideration the existing building was demolished and rebuilt, doubling the size of the original library. A
complete rebuild was deemed quicker, less disruptive, economic and a better environmentally sustainable solution…..
(http://www.archdaily.com/347844/ballyroan-library-box-architecture)
Bucholz McEvoy Architects, Dublin – Ireland
http://www.bmcea.com
Libraries:
Westmeath County Council Civic Offices and Library, Mullingar - Ireland 2009
Westmeath County Council Headquarters is a low energy civic office building located at the heart of an important archaeological
site. The building is an open and transparent building of public service and is carefully woven into the historic archaeological
context, creating an ensemble of new and old buildings, which together bring new meaning and civic values to this site. The new
building is a civic place, internally a sculpture of light, created primarily with glass, timber, and concrete, externally an open and
transparent expression of local government. The structure is designed to provide a vessel for the transparency attributed to local
government, a civic building accessible by all, while providing both a comfortable work place and a pleasant experience for visitors.
The building form is principally organized in two axes and two buildings; one north-south which contains the library and cafe and
establishes the principal relationship with the existing County Building, and the other an east-west curved office block. The library is
accessed from the main public space with its double height reading room addressing the public park. The curved office spine looks to
the south, addressing a new public park over the excavated ground. The entirely naturally ventilated building maximizes passive
design principles and creates an environment in-balance with the nature. The design of a structure in its construction and operation
consumes less of the environment’s natural non-renewable resources. A double facade combined with an atrium lung serve to effect
all of the ventilation in the office building. The main atrium of the building is conceived of as a light-filled glass and timber hall,
where the presence of the existing County Building and the historical remains are linked. Movement across the site, through the
building, and to the public park takes place through this space constantly reinforcing the connection to County Building. On the first
floor link bridges connect the existing County Buildings to the reception/meeting room at the intersection of the bridge and the office
block. The building form is principally organized in two axes and two buildings; one north-south which contains the library and cafe
and establishes the principal relationship with the existing County Building, and the other an east-west curved office block. The
library is accessed from the main public space with its double height reading room addressing the public park. The curved office
spine looks to the south, addressing a new public park over the excavated ground. The entirely naturally ventilated building
maximizes passive design principles and creates an environment in-balance with the nature. The design of a structure in its
construction and operation consumes less of the environment’s natural non-renewable resources. A double facade combined with an
atrium lung serve to effect all of the ventilation in the office building. The double facade acts as a ventilation chimney driven entirely
through wind pressure, while acting as an acoustic barrier. The double facade ensures fresh air supply year round, without opening
a window out to the noisy train tracks. The atrium, the main public space, is also the ventilation lung of the building, providing
supply air to the offices.
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