Library Buildings around the World

Queen´s University, McClay Library , Belfast – UK 2009
196.000 sqf.
A model of sustainable design, the new Library positions Queen's as an international leader in education and sustainability.
The Library is expected to meet the stringent standards of the UK's Building Research Establishment Environmental
Assessment Method (BREEAM). Natural light sensors and automatically operated windows reduce electricity consumption
and a rainwater recycling system for greywater conserves water. A natural ventilation system throughout much of the
building and the strategic use of chilled beams to cool classrooms and computer-intensive spaces significantly reduce energy
costs. To meet the needs of Queen's expanding enrollment the library has 2,000 reader places and houses 1.5 million
volumes, including the University's special collections. Facilities include exhibition space, a cafe, and language lab. Shepley
Bulfinch designed the project in association with Robinson Patterson Partnership and Buro Happold Engineers. (Shepley)
University College Cork, Boole Library – Expansion and Renovation, Cork – Ireland 2008
102.300 sqf., $ 39.300.000
Awards:
International Architecture Award, 2008
Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design
This addition and renovation creates a new postgraduate research library while expanding and upgrading the Boole
Library, Ireland's leading research institute. New space includes the 37,700 s.f. renovation of two floors of the existing
building and a 64,600 s.f. addition. The project adds reading spaces while providing technology for all reader seats and
accommodating the expansion of campus collections, including special collections and archives. The revitalized facility
provides a consultation area for library staff, as well as group study rooms and instructional spaces. Built on the site of an
ancient settlement, the Library's red sandstone exterior is a contemporary continuation of the settlement's stone wall.
Shepley Bulfinch was the design architect in association with Wilson Architecture. (Shepley)
SHKS Architects, Seattle, WA – USA
Snyder Hartung Kane Architects
http://www.shksarchitects.com
Libraries:
Ferndale Library, Ferndale, WA – USA 2018
The Ferndale library combines emergent ideas about 21st century libraries with long-standing traditions of community gathering.
Developed in collaboration with community members, City, and Library staff, the 15,000 sf library affirms the continuing relevance
of libraries in rural communities. The library enhances the city by extending and reinforcing pedestrian activity on Main Street and
preserving a large natural wetland area.
Community meeting rooms and display spaces are visually connected to library staff and resources.
A generous seating area is oriented towards views of Mount Baker and the wetlands, taking advantage of abundant natural light and
breezes.
Roof monitors provide diffuse natural light throughout the main library space.
Planning aims at integrating parking and service access to reduce site impacts, using native plants to strengthen the habitat.
(SHKS)
While cultivating a romance with both agriculture and the pioneer spirit, Ferndale is a residential community with growth in both
industrial and
commercial activity. The new library will make an important contribution to the life of Ferndale, preserving Schell Marsh, a large
natural area and
reinforcing pedestrian activity on Main Street. The new, 15,000 square foot (1560 m2) library represents a symbiosis of town and
marsh within the floodplain
of the Nooksack River. Drawing on the quiet simplicity of local agricultural buildings, the library is sheltered by a slightly sloping
roof relieved by saw-tooth monitors introducing light and air. The street front is treated as a site-wall demarcating the threshold
from Main Street to the library. A figural
public meeting room dominates the view from town as it opens toward a view of Mt. Baker. The meeting room expands to include a
platform for the annual
poetry festival. Beneath the roof is an expansive community room opening toward the marsh toward the south. The large room will
accommodate a wide
range of collections and activities.
(http://2010honorawards.aiaseattle.org/sites/default/files/J_V_Ferndale%20Library_0.pdf)
Vancouver Mall Library Connection, Vancouver, WA – USA 2013
Many library visitors come fromoutside the immediate community. For new residents, themall library is often the first connection
they have to the library system. Patrons who use other FVRL libraries often combine shopping trips with a chance to drop off
books or check email on library computers. Aconnectionwith districtresources. The Mall Library Connection’s condensed
space will provide a sampling of and connection to the wide array ofservices available throughoutthe library district. The name
Vancouver Mall Community Library is a remnant ofthe original name of the shopping center when the library opened in
1983. The updated name reflects this location’s new look and special role in the district.
(http://www.fvrl.org/homefiles/VM_FAQs_112012.pdf)
To maintain a popular branch at the Vancouver Mall, the Fort Vancouver Regional Library had to provide twice the service in half
the area. SHKS Architects was chosen by the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System to work with library patrons and staff to reimagine
and reinvent the library. Taking advantage of a highly visible retail location, the Library Connection welcomes new library
patrons of all ages, especially teens.
Comfortable reading spaces, public computers, books, and other library amenities are visible through a frameless glass storefront,
supported on round glu-lam columns. Automated book handling equipment dramatically reduces staff work area requirements and
repetitive tasks, freeing librarians and space to serve patrons better. Library amenities are intuitively organized for self-help,
empowering new and lifelong users.
A lower ceiling and wood storage wall define a flexible program area for readings, presentations, teen, and children’s programs.
Moveable shelving allows this space to expand into the adjacent children’s area. Fixtures, partitions shelving, and furnishings are
designed for reconfiguration and future reuse.
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