Learning curve

Library of Birmingham

Birmingham, UK

In 2013, Britain’s biggest public library was opened in Birmingham. The new complex replaces the old Central Library that was situated in the heart of the city, adjacent to the historic Centenary Square, and provides the local community with a state-of-the-art centre for knowledge, learning and culture.

Our experts delivered bespoke fire safety strategies to protect the public library’s collection of rare books and manuscripts

Our innovative use of ‘personas’ allowed us to develop responsive, user friendly designs for the new library

The diameter of the large circles on facade is 5.4m

Challenge

The original Central Library was the busiest library in Britain and Birmingham’s most visited public building. The fabric of the early 1970s building required major renovation and the layout was no longer suitable for modern day use.

In addition, the old library housed archives, photography and rare printed collections of national and international significance in storage facilities that lacked proper climate control. This was something that the new complex had to rectify, as well as meeting Birmingham City Council’s aim to set new standards for libraries in the 21st century.

Solution

Our engineers developed their designs for this project through a series of site visits, technology days with industry leaders, and workshops with library staff and the wider design team. Concepts were evolved through the creation of ‘personas’, which represented potential users whose experience of the building was studied and described. This work helped shape our designs by giving us an understanding of the needs of different groups, resulting in a new public library that boasts exemplary functionality and performance.

Buro Happold provided a professional service throughout, overcoming various challenges in this very complex building, contributing to the design teams’ overall success. They embraced the project and invested in its success. Buro Happold offered good value for money, going beyond their scope when required to ensure the success of the project.

Sue Round, Senior Manager, Building Operations, Library of Birmingham

Value

It was this characteristically forward-thinking, experimental approach to design that enabled us to deliver a facility that supports the Council’s mission to create a global community with a local heart, right in the centre of Birmingham. The new library is integrated with the REP Theatre, creating new shared facilities such as a 300-seat auditorium and café.