Library Buildings around the World

which are lifted or set within the ground. an entry portico is placed beneath an elevated event and public gathering area
while the stacks and reading areas are placed on the lower floors. a series of rectangular footprints arranged at angles to
each other in plan form a linear progression starting with the circulation desk, and then following with the adult browsing
and support offices. paralleling the rising street and topography, visitors ascend a concrete stairway to successive levels
within separate structures, finding the teenage on a second floor and children's services on the third.
although reaching three storeys in some parts, the collection of buildings still maintain the scale of the encompassing
residential fabric. timber fins wrapping the concrete and glazed skin articulates the external presence amidst the sloping
landscape, doubling as structural supports and filtering daylight inside. 'communities need empowering buildings – and this
neighbourhood library is all about the creation of a strong beacon for its community. the primary act of public architecture
is to create spaces that are socially edifying and socially liberating – using design excellence as a social force that makes
good. this is at the heart of my work, so it is very exciting to see this building welcome its community through its doors.' –
david adjaye. (http://www.designboom.com)
ADP Architects Ltd. (Architects Design Partnership), Birmingham – UK
http://www.adp-architects.co.uk
Libraries:
Aston Library, Birmingham – UK 2010 –
₤ 6.000.000
ADP has recently completed the first phase of Aston University’s library refurbishment, which involved a large extension to the
existing listed building and the complete refurbishment of its ground floor. The refurbishment has transformed the facility into a
new state-of-the-art learning resource centre (LRC) and social learning hub, with lively group learning areas, a café, and with
internet access available throughout. The existing library, an imposing four-storey brick building in the Modernist style, was
designed Sir Basil Spence, architect of Coventry Cathedral. The building is being sensitively updated in order to provide new and
expanded facilities for the twenty first century. A large glass extension to the front of the building provides a dramatic new entrance,
whilst revealing Spence’s original structure. Inside, suspended ceilings have been removed to reveal the building’s original frame
and brickwork, whilst stylish furniture has been used to divide up the largely open plan space into zones which cater for different
learning needs. (ADP)
Canterbury Christ Church University, Library, Augustine House, Canterbury – UK 2009
The new £ 35 million library at Canterbury Christ Church University has opened. The new library and central
Learning resources centre Canterbury Christ Church University will be its premiere landmark. This interactive
hub of the University includes cafes, drop-in internet access, and a range of student support services that will be
readily accessible and available. With an atrium of grand proportions, this will be an inspiring focal point for the
whole University community. The dynamic character of the building has been expressed by the angular assortment
of bridges and galleries that intersect the atrium, linking the building’s two sides of flexible floors. These diagonal
elements were inspired by views of historic Canterbury seen from the building’s glass façade, including an ancient
burial mound, the City Walls, and the famous Cathedral itself. The building is on target for a BREEAM rating of
‘Very Good’, and is being used as the pilot scheme for the new BREEAM Higher Education assessment category.
Some 20% of the energy consumed will be from renewable sources, primarily from ground-sourced heating and
cooling systems. (adp-architects). The library complex at Augstine House has taken 20 months to complete and
features built-in computer terminals, a roof terrace with views over the cathedral, a cafe, and vast glass and steel
walls to reflect the flint of Canterbury's ancient city walls. Designed by ADP architects, the new building is set to
"become a new benchmark in the design and provision of library and student support services in the Higher Education
sector. It’s a seamless, airy blend of technology, sustainability, contemporary learning and tradition: where a student
can utilise the latest in digital learning; or take a quieter moment to study with a good old-fashioned book in a comfy
chair, making the most of the stunning views over historic Canterbury." The library has 200 laptop computers which
undergraduates can plug into sockets throughout the premises. It also has facilities for students with disabilities including
adjustable height desks and signs in Braille for the blind. The project even has its own green policy, so there are only
car parking spaces for contractors, everyone else has to use a bike or public transport. The building also utilises geothermal
concrete "energy" piles which provide a quarter the building's heating. The aim was for the building to achieve a
BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good, and the project is being used as the pilot scheme for the new BREEAM Higher
Education assessment category. Some 20% of the energy consumed will be from renewable sources, primarily from
ground-sourced heating and cooling systems. (designinglibraries)
The new library and central learning resource centre for Canterbury Christ Church University is now its premiere landmark. This
interactive hub of the University includes cafes, drop-in internet access, and a range of student support services that are readily
accessible and available. With an atrium of grand proportions, it is an inspiring focal point for the whole University community.
The dynamic character of the building has been expressed by the angular assortment of bridges and galleries that intersect the
atrium, linking the building’s two sides of flexible floors. These diagonal elements were inspired by views of historic Canterbury
seen from the building’s glass façade, including an ancient burial mound, the City Walls, and the famous Cathedral itself. The
building has achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’, and was used as the pilot scheme for the new BREEAM Higher Education
assessment category. Some 20% of the energy consumed will be from renewable sources, primarily from ground-sourced heating
and cooling systems. (ADP)
University of Central Lancashire, Central Library, Preston – UK 2009
₤ 2.700.000
Appointed in 2008, ADP undertook a two-stage refurbishment of University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) central library. Its
transformation into a new state-of-the-art learning centre and library involved interior design services, signage, graphics and
furniture. Phase 1 involved creating an open-plan learning space on the ground floor. This new centre is separated into key zones,
housing: group learning; an information zone; an international lounge or ‘culture’ area; IT support; information retrieval; quiet
study areas; book returns; café, and a separate, self-contained careers area, ‘futures’. The distinction between zones was achieved by
use of colour, signage and furniture. Phase 2 involved the wholesale refurbishment of the first and second floors, including a new
mechanical and electrical servicing strategy. The first floor improves the location of book stock and houses flexible training rooms,
ICT and media suites, and individual learning areas. The second floor provides more book stock space and group study rooms.
(ADP)
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