Photo Info : UImages: - Tim Cornbill
www.associated-architects.co.uk
University of
Birmingham’s
Library
The demolition of the adjacent deficient 1950s library will create a ‘green heart’
to the campus, improving both site circulation and the setting of the historic
buildings. The new Library has a colonnaded frontage to this open space, at the
natural centre of the University
Associated
Architects
Associated Architects’ feasibil-
ity study concluded that a new
building rather than refur-
bishment of the existing
library would best meet the
University’s needs.
A brief was developed focusing on the user, rather than the collection, with in-
tuitive, natural circulation. The plan is bisected by a central street running north-
south. This generates the internal planning, creating quiet study spaces around
the building’s perimeter. 17,000sq.m of floor space is arranged over six levels
with a series of lightwells running through the building. The angled west side is
aligned to the new ring road, with railway and canal beyond. This arrangement
exploits views and maximises the scheme’s presence seen from the railway.
The new Library has a contemporary aesthetic, with a high level of glazing max-
imising views in and out to achieve optimum day-lighting to quiet perimeter
study areas. Anodised aluminium fins and automatic blinds provide solar shad-
ing, adding a layer of detail to the elevations, with ceramic granite cladding to
the cores. The importance of the south-east corner beside the University Centre
is emphasised by the tower, orientated toward the landmark University clock
tower.