Library Buildings around the World

Associated Architects was appointed to refurbish Muirhead Tower to accommodate the College of Social Sciences and the Cadbury
Research Library, which houses the Special Collections and Archives of the University of Birmingham. The key challenge was how
to how to do so, by being sensitive to the original concept whilst creating a new dynamic teaching and learning environment, that
would re-vitalise the building in its location at the heart of the campus.
The University’s aspiration, in a competing Higher Educational market place, was to provide staff and students with the best
working environment, acknowledging the constraints of the existing building. The College of Social Sciences required the provision
of academic offices, learning and meeting spaces. In addition there are a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate learning and
teaching spaces contained within the two twelve-storey towers.
The building’s podium was refurbished and extended to accommodate a 200 seat lecture theatre, new exhibition and display space,
reception and a 120 seat café space. The two levels below the podium house the Cadbury Research Library including three BS5454
archive standard book repositories, search and seminar rooms, academic offices and conservation studio.
“This project was about restoring one of the University’s most important buildings for the 21st century. The design keeps the
concrete structure as designed by Sir Philip Dowson, but completely transforms the interior and exterior to create a space that is
functional but also beautiful.”
Ian Barker, Director of Estates, University of Birmingham (Associated)
David Wilson Library, University of Leicester, Leicester – UK 2008
Awards:
RIBA East Midland Award for Architecture 2008
ProCon Leicestershire Award. Building of the Year 2008
University expansion and functionality changes require the existing 1970’s library to be completely refurbished, extended and fitted
out. In addition to the upgrading of the internal environment, to meet the Universities aspirations, the project is required to be a
thought provoking and complimentary addition to the existing high quality campus landscape. The current library facilities are to be
maintained, throughout the project, with certain essential services requiring continuous provision. The planned growth of the
University and the attraction of enhanced facilities will require the library to service over 22,000 students. A BREEAM rating of
excellent is required. Solution: The project will provide a state of the art, flexible, aesthetically pleasing, light airy, library
environment. To include book storage, lending facilities, quiet study areas, group study areas, ICT access areas, display areas for art
work and special collections, bookshop, café, academic office and tutorial space. All contained within approximately 9,000m2 of
refurbished and 6,000m2 of new space. Study spaces will be expanded to 1500 seats, with a dedicated 200 seat postgraduate area and
38km’s of shelving housing 950,000 volumes. New RFID book tagging technology will be utilised. Planning permission was granted
in eight weeks despite being a sensitive location adjacent to listed buildings. Client: University of Leicester, Project Value: £25
million, Completion Date: March 2008 (Associated)
The King's School Library, Worcester – UK 2007
Client: The Kings School, Worcester, Project Value: £1.2 million
Awards:
RIBA Architecture Award 2007
City of Worcester Award 2006
Wood Awards 2007
Wood Innovation Award 2007
An existing Victorian structure with a tranquil outlook west over the River Severn forms the basis for this new school library, on two
levels linked by a book-lined lightwell.
The plan is organised around a new Long Gallery running north-south to make a route through the centre of the school, with
information, display and exhibition space. The upper reading room is reached across a new lightwell via a ramped glass bridge with
lightbox balustrades.
All furniture, shelving and panelling is specially designed by Associated Architects in ice birch plywood with lightbox illumination
and full IT integration. The same material has been used by the leading lettering artist, Gary Breeze, for the Greek inscription over
the Long Gallery.
The free form librarian’s desk forms a focal point with excellent visual surveillance.
Strong emphasis is placed on environmental responsibility and minimising CO2 emissions. A sophisticated ventilation system,
including motorised circular rooflights, obviates the need for air conditioning despite the high computer usage.
The library immediately established a new heart to the school, recording 17,000 visits during its first month of operation. The RIBA
Awards Jury acclaimed “a highly imaginative and productive use of space skillfully and carefully carried through to the final
detail”. (Associated)
C3 Library Josiah Mason College, Castle Vale – UK 2005
ASTUDIO architecture, London – UK
http://www.astudioarchitecture.com
Libraries:
Kent Library and History Centre, Maidstone, Kent – UK 2012
11.800 m², ₤ 22.000.0000
The scheme is a mixed use development project, comprising of a History Centre including a historic archive, public library and
support spaces. The project will be the new home of one of the biggest archives in the country and will offer a light, bright facility for
visitors. The building’s carbon footprint will be investigated with potential innovative solutions using ice storage for heat rejection
and humidity control for the historic archive areas. The potential use of solar panels for domestic hot water and a shared energy
centre will also help to reduce the energy footprint. The concept uses a residential development to create a backdrop for the new
public facility. This emphasises the prominence and entrance to the building, an important site located at the gateway to Maidstone.
The new public realm links up with the river walk and other local pathways. (Astudio)
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