Insight 2017

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13 THE QUEEN'S COLLEGE LIBRARY INSIGHT the lighting for the building. Bespoke shelving lines the walls of every space and is tailored to provide everything from shelf space, displays, signage and space for oversized parts of the collection. Architect, we worked with on the designs for the new Provost’s Garden. The new carpentry was also carefully coordinated with a large number of glazed screens, which are a major feature of the interior; dividing rooms and enclosing the new lift. Careful detailing and handling of glass ensured that large panels could be used and the overall effect of a reflective internal glass ‘face’ in the entrance was able to be maintained. The finer finishing touches include acoustic ceilings; fabric wrapped panels; the installation of display cases and exquisite timber paneling in the Lower Library by Cliveden Conservation. In statistics: The project sank 299 concrete bearing and retaining piles each 30m long. We augured 10 special thermal piles each extending 50m into Oxford clay. On completion of the piled perimeter 8900 cubic metres of soil and gravel was excavated for reuse elsewhere. There are 5km of electrical, AV and data cabling, and 800 linear metres of new shelving. Epilogue Having now seen the project realised, we are pleased that many key aspects of the original concept and design have worked as intended. Creating a bright day lit new library space was central to the aims of the design project, and many studies were carried out at all stages to test this. The roof light aperture, roof slope and height were all iteratively adjusted to ensure that light penetrated the new space(s) in the most effective way possible. The ultimate objective being to provide a comfortable space that belied its below-ground position. Similarly, we are pleased that the new Library is invisible from many views – an unusual objective for architects. The invisibility has been aided by the planting of the garden which has been established and was in use this summer. We are conscious that the project was disruptive for both College and its neighbours. Whilst a great deal was done to mitigate this, major projects are always noisy. Considering the scale of the project, many have remarked that Beard’s excellent management minimized disruption in a significant way. We would like to thank the design team of specialist consultants that we have employed to complete the project. Eckersley O’Callaghan, our structural and civil engineers, engineered a complex invisible ‘box’. Atelier Ten, our service engineers, who devised a sophisticated and effective low energy strategy (in addition to designing a most beautiful and compact plant room!) The full team also included a skilled Acoustician (Sandy Brown Associates); Fire Consultant (Simon Ham); Planning Consultant (Nik Lyzba); Health and Safety Consultant (Gardiner and Theobald) and Jeremy Rye who, as Landscape The ‘beautiful and compact’ plant room designed by Atelier Ten Working for Queen’s has been both professional, and a pleasure in all aspects. The College is an experienced ‘building’ College and its representatives understand the complexities and nuances of construction and its processes. We would like to thank Becky Beasley and Angus Bowie for their pivotal role in the project happening and for leading the internal consultation process; particularly over the last 4 years. This project is Amanda Saville’s third new library (her best so far) and the project has been very fortunate to have her experience and expertise. Collectively, the College and client team led by David Goddard have provided experience and fostered collaboration with all parties, providing a constant presence while the project was on site; all with calmness and good humour. Finally, and particularly at this point, we recognise the privilege as architects of completing a new building for Queen’s, adding to a magnificent range of historic buildings and gardens. It is equally a privilege to add to the College’s much-loved and well used Library and to see it well prepared for the future. Stuart Cade is a founding partner of MICA Architects and a longstanding partner at RMA. Stuart has worked in Oxford for 20 years and has led the practice’s 14 completed projects in Oxford including work on Oxford’s own Ashmolean Museum. Stuart is currently leading MICA’s major new commission at Jesus College, in central Oxford. Reflections on the new library project David Goddard, Project Manager The completion of the New Library marks the end of a four year programme of intensive redevelopment of our library facilities. The new underground library construction was the final phase of work which included the complete overhaul and
Michaelmas 2017 14 refurbishment of both the existing Upper and Lower Library spaces. The culmination of this period of work has also aptly coincided with the 675 th Anniversary of the Foundation of The Queen’s College. reader spaces were occupied, along with those in the existing Upper and Lower libraries. To me this clearly demonstrated that not only were the additional spaces necessary, but that the effort, time and energy the College invested in this project had been entirely worthwhile. From this: the construction site in early stages... The work undertaken was comprehensive, and provided the opportunity to explore, review and develop each and every aspect of this facility to ensure that the maximum potential could be achieved from such a valuable College asset. I am confident that, following completion of this extended and complex period of work, Queen’s can rightfully be proud of having one of the finest library buildings within the University. It is rare that the opportunity arises to become involved in such a prestigious project and all the more so when it involves working within, and alongside, such important Grade I listed buildings. In addition, the area of works was located in the footprint of a space that was previously occupied by a very precious garden. I consider myself fortunate that the College had the faith to entrust me with the responsibility of being The Project Client Manager. This role not only enabled me to have influence over the decision making processes, regarding design changes but also allowed me to ensure satisfactory coordination between all stakeholders and for overseeing an appropriate standard of quality control. The responsibility was particularly testing as in addition to such a complex project brief, careful thought had to be afforded to the site logistics. These included very complex and challenging access constraints and the need to minimise the detrimental impact on academic life both within Queen’s and the four neighbouring colleges. These challenges were eased considerably by the understanding, cooperation and sacrifice shown by everyone in College, and in particular the current Junior Members who gave such selfless support to the cause even though many would not get to enjoy the benefits of the completed library. I feel it only right to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who played a part, no matter how small. As you are aware the New Library was completed for the beginning of Trinity Term 2017 and it was very rewarding to observe that within a short time of it’s opening, all the new To this: A view into the underground extension to the library In conclusion, despite the significant challenge that the library refurbishment programme and new building project have posed to the College for a number of years, it is reassuring to witness the successful completion, and we can now look forward to addressing some of the other areas in College that require investment and development. David Goddard is the Clerk of Works here at Queen’s College. He is responsible for all aspects of building maintenance. He leads a team that ensures the College is kept in working order whilst being sensitive to the nature and appearance of the Grade I and Grade II listed buildings The Queen’s College Library Insight Published by The Library, The Queen’s College, Oxford, OX1 4AW Copyright The Queen’s College, Oxford, 2017 All rights reserved ISSN 2049-8349
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