Library Buildings around the World

articulated bookend. The two storey extension element uses bespoke designed colour-stained Finnish softwood laminated ‘fins’ that
support both the first floor structure and the roof. Unusually for this material, the structure is completely external and exposed to
the elements and after much research was pressure impregnated in order that it could perform to these conditions. In between each
fin are aluminium grating panels that provide solar control as well as structural stiffening to the external structure. Behind the
structure is a two storey panel of glazed curtain walling. The roof is clad with silver ‘Trespa’ panels and is designed to give the
impression of floating/sliding across the exposed roof beams. Internally, the library has been designed as an adaptable open plan
area that can be used for different ways of teaching – there is raised area of carpet clad cubed modules for seating, bespoke designed
tables and benches and an enclosed curved ‘arena’ space. (Clark)
The project designed by London-based practice JCA involved a two-story extension and partial conversion of an existing 1960-built
two-story building at Longford Community School in Feltham near Heathrow. The architects have created a 200 square meter
structurally-expressed timber supported extension and 550 square meter of existing space to house two new classrooms and a fitness
center at ground level with a new library/learning center at first floor. This project involved the fit out of an empty shell and core
space situated on an upper mezzanine of the canteen block. The ceiling height was generous but not enough for two proper internal
levels. In order to solve this structural challenge, JCA has designed a multi-colored Formica clad plywood structure that houses
individual study booths over two levels by arranging the cross section. This has helped the lower booths to sit directly below without
requiring full headroom while sitting. The colored-timber structure spans the end of the block representing an articulated three
dimensionally layered book-end. This colorful structure offers a vibrant extension to a dull and lifeless brick-built teaching block.
Bespoke-designed color-stained Finnish softwood laminated fins are used to support both the first floor structure and the roof.
Aluminum grating panels are inserted between each fin to provide more solar control as well as some structural stiffening to the
external structure. The roof is timber structure clad with silver Trespa panels. The panels are designed to give the impression of
floating/sliding across the exposed timber roof beams. A solid block-work wall separated the new sixth form from the canteen below.
A number of different sized portholes are inserted into this wall to allow the students to look straight into the canteen below and feel
more connected with the rest of the school. A new staircase and disabled lift platform are inserted, adjacent to a new office for the
head of sixth form. The sustainable timber has been used in order to fulfill the client’s wish to use materials that are procured in an
environmentally responsible way. ( http://www.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com )
Coltart Earley Architecture, Glasgow – UK
http://www.coltart-earley.co.uk
Libraries:
Hamilton Central Library Regeneration, Hamliton – UK 2000 – 2004
Client: South Lanarkshire Council, Total Project Value: £9m
Hamilton Carnegie Library is a Category A Listed Building built in 1908 as the first of three buildings forming the Townhouse
Complex.
The concept behind the renovation of the library at Hamilton Town House is exposure, the ability to create a facility where visitors
encounter and discover new influences and opportunities to learn, develop and grow in a welcoming environment. The discovery of
the original Carnegie Lecture Theatre presented us with the opportunity to recreate one of the original spaces within the library
utilising reproduction plasterwork taken from the remaining damaged ornate plasterwork and columns.
with the location, it was important that the design gave the entrance to the town an impression of style and confidence...this
is a huge project for the area and will create afacility that the whole community can be proud and enjoy ( South Lanarkshire
Coucil)
Cottrell & Vermeulen Architecture, London – UK
http://www.cottrellandvermeulen.co.uk
Libraries:
Birchfield Community Library, Birmingham – UK unbuilt
see:
http://www.building.co.uk 13.09.2007
http://www.inkdesign.co.uk 14.09.2007
crabstudio peter cook gavin robotham architecture, London – UK
http://www.crab-studio.com
Libraries:
Bond University’s Soheil Abedian School of Architecture, Robina –Australia 2013
client: Bond University, location: Queensland, Australia, budget: $ 14,000,000 AUD, dimension: 2.500 m2
primary team: Sir Peter Cook and Gavin Robotham, Mark Bagguley, Jenna Al-Ali, Ting-Na Chen, Lorene Faure, Yang Yu,
Nuria Blanco, Javier Ruiz, general contractor and project management: ADCO, Gold Coast, structural and environmental
engineers: Arup Brisbane, status: Under construction, Year commenced: 2011, Year completed: 2013
The Soheil Abedian School of Architecture is under construction and is scheduled for completion in April 2013. The design
is a result of an international competition which was won by Cook Robotham Architectural Bureau (CRAB), London in
association with Populous and Brit Andresen. The 4000m2 building will provide a public forum space for 120 people, studios
for undergraduate and masters’ students, as well as post-graduate spaces, in a generally open-plan arrangement. Staff
accommodation, resource room, reading room, atelier and coffee shop as well as environmental science laboratories
constitute the other major functions within the building. The building is complemented by a 330 m2 workshop building and
an existing 220m2 Architecture Fabrication Research Laboratory. In all, the workshop facilities will provide 550m2 of space
for traditional workshop equipment as well as dedicated digital design and fabrication equipment and materials library.
Key elements of the main academic building include a 70metre long street of varying width and height adjacent to which are
4 “scoops” which bring light and air into the building. The scoops provide an important “eddy” space for informal
gatherings, critiques and self-directed student activity. The inclined street and the eddy spaces will be key to the successful
social interaction between students and also engagement with the broader community. The combined facilities, internal and
external space, workshops and public spaces combine to fulfill the schools pedagogy of a strong theoretical foundation
underpinned by “learning by making.” (http://www.crab-studio.com)
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