The Library of Birmingham (2008)
Schmidt Hammer Lassen - SHL
Facts:
Architect
schmidt hammer lassen architects
Client
Birmingham City Council
Area
Approximately 31,000 m2
Construction sum
€ 147 million excl. VAT
Competition
2008, 2nd place in restricted international competition
Status
Competition proposal
Engineer
Arup
Theatre Consultant
Charcoalblue Theatre Consultants
Description:
Located on Centenary Square in the heart of Birmingham, the project combines the City Library with The Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The Rep), seeking to create the best public library in the world.
The competition process sought ideas, not architectural conclusions. Three issues were identified as being at the heart of the objectives for the project.
Firstly, the creation of a new public space that relates equally to the Library and The Rep. By having functions of the Library and The Rep within it, this new third space becomes a destination in itself, part of the daily life of the citizens of Birmingham as well as for visitors. Envisaged as an internal public plaza that connects to Centenary Square on one side and the green park on the other, the atmosphere is welcoming, active, dynamic and full of people.
Secondly, there should be a different, yet compatible approach to the design of The REP and the Library. This would lead to a logical breakdown of the total project scale and allow for a more varied compositional approach to the building.
Finally, the Library would be more visible if its height could extend over the projected maximum heights.
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