Topping-out ceremony for Aberdeen New Library
Topping-out ceremony for Aberdeen New Library
Schmidt Hammer Lassen - SHL
The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, is the fifth oldest English-language university in the world. In 2005, schmidt hammer lassen architects won the international competition to design the new university library which is to replace the existing Queen Mother Library. The new library will reinforce the reputation of the University as an important academic institution, as a place of research, learning and teaching. The 15,500 square metres of floor-space will host over a quarter of a million books, maps and manuscripts, as well as 1,200 reader spaces in a variety of environments, where cutting edge technologies are available. Additionally, Special Libraries and Archives offer historical collections in connection to a secure rare books reading room. The new library will be run by approximately 60 staff and serve a community of over 16,000 students.
“University of Aberdeen New Library will be an exciting embodiment of the library of the future: open, multi-functional and accessible. It will be both a meeting place and a cultural centre for the University and the wider Aberdeen community; offering public spaces, exhibitions and events,” explains Morten Schmidt, Founding Partner at schmidt hammer lassen architects.
The sweeping contours and organic form of the vast spiralling volume of the atrium, connecting the eight storeys, contrast with the clean cut exterior profile of the library. The glazed façade enables the library to appear shimmering during the day and to glow in the night. Presently, half of the glass façades have been mounted; the remaining part will be mounted in the coming weeks.
“University of Aberdeen New Library will be certified BREEAM Excellent which proves that the building is designed to minimise long term running costs and energy use. For instance rainwater harvesting for use in the WC flushing and photo voltaic cells on the roof of the library will be incorporated, as will the integrated hybrid ventilation and a series of intelligent management systems to optimise the energy strategy. Moreover, the extensive glazing of the library provides high insulation standards and plenty of daylight combined with that from the central atrium,” Stephen D. Willacy, Partner at schmidt hammer lassen architects clarifies. He stresses that sustainability is integral to the holistic design process of schmidt hammer lassen architects.
Experienced in the learning and library sectors
schmidt hammer lassen architects works with libraries across all scales from branch libraries and central libraries to university libraries. The practice is renowned for the extension of The Royal Library in Copenhagen, Denmark, and has also designed Halmstad Library and the extension of Växjö Library in Sweden. Ongoing library projects include Urban Mediaspace, Scandinavia’s biggest public library, in Aarhus, Denmark and two medium-size libraries in Halifax and Edmonton, Canada.
With 24 years of experience, schmidt hammer lassen architects is one of Scandinavia’s most recognised, award-winning architectural practices and has a long track-record of designing educational and learning facilities. In London, the practice has designed City of Westminster College which will have practical completion in November 2010 and open in the beginning of 2011.
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