Library Buildings around the World

John McAslan + Partners, Manchester.Edinburgh.London – UK
http://www.mcaslan.co.uk
Libraries:
SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) Library Terraces – UK 2011
The SOAS library, cited as the jewel in the School's crown, has been lauded as the leading national library for Asian, African and
Middle Eastern studies, comparable only to the British Library. It houses more than 1.5 million volumes and extensive electronic
resources for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and attracts scholars from all over the world. The library is also one of
the UK's five National Research Libraries.The library is currently undergoing a £12 million modernisation and enlargement
programme (known as 'the Library Transformation Project') that aims to increase capacity and create new student study spaces.
The library is housed in the Philips Building on the Russell Square campus and was built in 1973. It was designed by architect Sir
Denys Lasdun (*08.09.1914 London - + 11.01.2001 London) who also designed some of Britain's most famous brutalist buildings such
as the National Theatre and the Institute of Education.
As a constituent college of the University of London, students at SOAS also have access to Senate House Library, shared by other
colleges such as London School of Economics and University College London, which is located just a short walk from the Russell
Square campus. (Wikipedia)
John McAslan + Partners was appointed under a Consultant Framework to complete the transformation of the much loved Denys
Lasdun Philips Library in 2008.
The main objectives of the transformation project were to improve the clarity of the existing design, enhance and increase research
facilities, reader seats, study rooms, provide flexible learning environments (with a strong focus on IT) and facilitate future growth.
Due to funding requirements the project was split into phases.
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Phase 1 entails the full refurbishment of the Ground and Lower Ground floors with a new reception, glazed study rooms, media labs
and a new archive facility to meet a number of rigorous BS standards. The ground floor book stacks are completely reconfigured to
allow the spaces to once more ‘breath’, puncturing the envelope to allow controlled natural light and ventilation deep into the library
space.
Phase 2 involves a similar approach to all 4 remaining levels and the refurbishment of the incredible atrium space and original
Lasdun diagrid roof. Phase 1 completed in 2011. (McAslan)
Nightingale Building. Learning Resource Center, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames – UK 2007
₤ 2.900.000, 1.600 sqm
JMP was appointed as masterplanner and architect, with Arup, for Kingston University's five-year multi-building capital
programme.
At the Kingston Hill campus, the Nightingale Centre is a linear learning resource – in effect, an enclosure grafted onto the front of
two existing library buildings that has delivered significantly more reading space, student study areas, a reception, group study
rooms, an IT-supported Learning Café, and a socially valuable open space, with a landscaped area to the north of the new building
which has become a focal point. (McAslan)
Imperial College Library, Sherfield Building, London – UK 1997
In April 1995 John McAslan + Partners was commissioned to design two low-energy independent projects comprising the 4,000 sqm
refurbishment and extension of the Libraries Building, including a music facility, and the 12,000 sqm refurbishment of the Sherfield
Building, at the heart of Imperial College’s campus in South Kensington. Phase 1 of the proposals, the Library, commenced on site in
1996, and was completed within twelve months in the summer of 1997.
The Library consists of extensive alterations and additions to the existing 1960’s building while maintaining the existing library’s
operational continuity, rationalising the building use, improving building services and providing upgraded and environmentally
responsive interiors.
Completed subsequently the Music and Arts Centre has provided high quality rehearsal spaces of varying capacity together with a
new gallery space and associated office accommodation, serving a 250 seat music hall. (McAslan)
Swiss Cottage Library, Borough of Camden, London – UK 2003
Client LB Camden, Size 5,000 sqm, Cost £5m, Team John McAslan + Partners, Architect, Whitby Bird & Partners, Structural
Engineer, Gifford & Partners, Building Services Engineer EC Harris, Cost Consultant
Awards:
Winner, RIBA Awards 2004, Conservation
Winner, Camden Council Design Awards 2004
In 2003, JMP completed the remodelling of the Grade II listed Swiss Cottage Library, designed by Sir Basil Spence (*13.08.1902
Bombay, India - + 19.11.1976 Yaxley, Suffolk, Coventry Cathedral 1962) in 1962-64.
The practice was appointed following a two-stage selection procedure and developed the proposals in partnership with Camden
Council and a multi-disciplinary design team.
The Library is at the heart of the Swiss Cottage site’s long term redevelopment, a major project which embraces new residential,
leisure and cultural facilities. The practice’s approach has been to expand the Library’s key community assets and creative
possibilities while protecting the building’s landmark status.
The project won acclaim from English Heritage, with Philip Davies, the London Region Director commenting: “It is clear that the
project is a success in architectural and heritage terms, and provides Camden with an excellent 21st century library facility. It
demonstrates how change can be successfully achieved in listed buildings. Through careful analysis and a sensitive design approach,
the Council’s needs have been accommodated by means of a scheme that has also consolidated and clarified the building’s essential
qualities. John McAslan + Partners has been exemplary in its approach to the project, and much credit for the success of the scheme
is due to their involvement.” (McAslan)
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