Figure 1. (Author, 2017)
Student Number: 14025311 Module Code: BE1340 Module Tutor: Kevin Elliot Word Count: 5197
Contents: Introduction to Building Introduction to Case Study History Newcastle City Library Timeline History Context Sight Conditions & Construction Construction Issues Finding the Library Sun Path Analysis Accessibility Design Influence Employers Requirements Internal Space External Envelope Hard Landscaping Design Flaws References
Address: City Library Charles Avison Building 33 New Bridge Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8AX 54°58′29.41″N1°36′36.85″W
Figure 2. (Ryder, 2017)
OS Grid Reference: NZ2504764556 NZ250645 (6 Figure) X (Easting): 425047 – Y (Northing): 564556 Latitude: 54.974991 – Longitude: -1.6102374 QR Code for UK Grid Reference Finder (See Bottom of Page): Source: (GridReferenceFinder, 2017) Sector: Civic, Arts, Culture Completed: 3rd March 2009 Opened to Public: 7th June 2009 Construction: December 2007 – March 2009 Floor Area: 8 300m(squared) Total Cost: £24 Million Source: (Ryder, 2009) Funding: Private Finance Initiative Design and Build BREEAM Rating: ‘Very Good’ Brownfield site City centre location 54 meters above sea level Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 8pm Friday: 8:30am – 5:30pm Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm Sunday: 11am – 5pm Contact Details: Phone :0191 227 4100 Email. information@newcastle.gov.uk
Figure 3. (Ryder, 2012)
Awards Winner Royal Institute of British Architects Winner: Best Community / User Involvement in a Project Public Private Finance Winner: Community Benefit Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Winner: Best Community Project Local Authority Building Control Winner Ace Winner: Delegates’ Choice Award Winner: Architecture Meets Practicality Mary Finch Accessibility Winner: Innovation Award Public Library Building Winner Delegates’ Choice Winner Lord Mayor’s Design Source: (Ryder, 2009)
Design Team PFI Construction: Kajima Newcastle Libraries Developer: Kajima Partnerships Limited Architect: Ryder Main Contractor: Tolent Construction Mechanical & Electrical Contractor: SES Limited Structures: Mott MacDonald Landscape: Robson Limited Mechanical & Electrical Consultant: White Young Green Cost Consultant: Turner & Townsend Fire Consultant: Jeremy Gardiner Associates Access Consultants: All Clear Design Source: (e-architect, 2009)
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Introduction to Case Study
Employer Requirements Spatial Functions Materials Employed
The Subject of this Case Study is to provide the reader with information taken from both primary and secondary research presenting factual evidence for Newcastle City Library. The structure of this document will in accordance to the ‘Architecture Student Chronicles’ on ‘How to Conduct a Case Study’. This structure will systematically analyze the Library covering topics to form a detailed case study.
The current Library is the third library present in city of Newcastle, the opening of these libraries date from 1882, 1968 and 2009 accordingly. Completed on 3rd March 2009, the current new library was built from December 2007 – March 2009 with an official formal opening from Her Majesty the Queen and his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh on 6th November (thejournal, 2009). The new city library is also named as the “Charles Avison Building” as a memorial dedication to a recognised Newcastle based composer.
Throughout this study, highlights referring to the mark scheme will be apparent to aid the marker. The scale of the public library gives its status as one of the largest in the UK.
The first one ‘was Victorian... the main building had an imposing facade of stone carvings... the entrance hall had a very good Italian mosaic floor, laid by Italian workmen brought in especially.’ (Ryder, 2009) Two earlier libraries have already had been built on what is now John Dobson Street and New Bridge Street. The current ‘Newcastle City Library is third since the late 19th Century.
Figure 4, Old City Library. (Ryder 2009)
History
Newcastle City Library Timeline 1850 - Public Libraries Act 1878 - Approved Plans for Free Library 1882 - Opening of Free Newcastle Library 1950 -- 1965 - Brutalist Era of Architecture 1964 - Sir Basil Spence reveals Central Library Plans 1968 - Newcastle City Library Opens 1970 - 2000 - Technical Advancement – Greater taste in appearance of architecture. Newcastle City Library became swiftly obsolete and requirements was unable to continue. 2006 - Newcastle City Council Talked with funders; Kajima partnerships – Official Closing of Library 2007 - Ryder Architecture submitted Planning Applications for the new ‘Newcastle City Library’ 2007 April - July Demolition of Library (Planning application Reference 2007/0105/17/DCC) 2009 - 7th June Library Open 2009 - 21st June Library named the ‘Charles Avison Building’ dedication to the C18th Composer.
Figure 5, inside old Library (Ryder, 2009)
Figure 6 inside old library (Ryder, 2009)
Public Libraries commenced in the mid 19th Century in the UK due to the Public Libraries Act 1850. This effected the funding on Libraries with City with a population of over 10 000 During this Victorian era, The Free Library Movement was a group working for the ‘improvement of the public’ through education. (politics, 2014) By 1878 Plan Approved Plans to create a lending library, two reading rooms, a reference library and librarians of office. (Ryder, 2009). The Library was designed by A.M Fowler and the Newcastle city library opened in 1882. There was a huge demand for books, with almost one third of the readers aged between 14 and 20 in the early years. (Ryder, 2009)
This library has 3 different sectors which consisted of the lending library, referencing library and a two reading rooms. (Ryder, 2009) This is linked to the Lang Art gallery to the eastern elevation. A vertical extension to the building was constructed in 1904 by Cackett & Burns Dick. The extension was a domed tower which was built for more storage of books. This was done to the expansion of reading material and not enough room to expand outwards.
During this period of the late 1950’s, Brutalist Architecture had descended from the modernist architectural movement of the early 20th century. This style of Architecture was used mostly for educational buildings (especially university buildings). Newcastle had a dream for a vertical city, planners imagined a 3D multi-level city allowing access ways above existing structures and roads. Please see figure 7 & 8
“The hopes and plans for the future, trying to future proof the building, all was evident in the 60’s” (Ryder, 2009)
Figure 7, Multi-Level City ‘abandoning the street’. (Guardian, 2010)
Figure 8, Suspended concrete walkway in Newcastle. (Guardian ,2010)
Architect Sir Basil Spence was chosen to lead the design in the re designed library and by 1964 the Central Library Plans was revealed.
During 1960 era consisted of many concrete building as they were ‘fashionable’, however not all people approved of the appearance of the new library. Taking into consideration the brutalist architecture from around the city of Newcastle, the library was designed and built in accordance with this, with first floor access from the apparent risen walkways.
Newcastle City Library opens in 1968. Between 1970 – 1990 was a big boom technical advancement, in Greater taste in appearance of architecture. Newcastle City Library became swiftly obsolete and requirements was unable to continue. 2006 – Newcastle City Council Talked with funders; Kajima partnerships – Official Closing of Library 2007 – Ryder Architecture submitted Planning Applications for the new ‘Newcastle City Library’ 2007 April – July Demolition of Library Planning application Reference *** 2007/0105/17/DCC Figure 9. (Ryder, 2017)
Site Conditions and Construction Materials Employed
Foundations Built on top of the previous library’s concrete structured foundations. The engineers decided to use polystyrene blocks rather than filling the foundations with hardcore, saving time and money. Lorries with hardcore jams would have taken too long and delaying the project missing deadlines. The floor is made from institute slabs measuring of a thickness of 3 feet and a varying width of 3 – 12 feet long. Figure 10. (Ryder, 2009)
Ground Type The site for the new library exists upon the remains of the previously demolished 1960’s city library. Using (Soilscapes, 2017) the ground is distinguished as being ‘slowly permeable seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayley. Services All services from the previous library was used again after demolition and had to be all reconnected. This was a struggle for the construction team as the services from the neighbouring properties had to be kept live at all times.
Figure 11. (Ryder, 2009) Foundations Steel
Framing:
The Library is built throughout with steel framing. The amount of steel used measures over 1000 metric tonnes. Due to the structure being meant for concrete frames from the previous library. “The steel frame has been designed around the architectural constraints, so there are a lot of rolled hollow sections.” (newsteelconstruction, 2008). Parts of the building that will be used for offices and book collections, these framing beams measure at 533 x 210 x 82 with 406 x 178 x 54 secondary beams. The size of the columns differs in size with the largest located next to the main walkways has a hollow diameter of 406mm, with a 25.8 m length.
Load transfer beams are used on high levels of the frame for loads to be carried above the larger spans of room such as the atrium and the performance space. “The largest transfer beam is positioned at roof level and has five floors below” (newsteelconstruction, 2008). The box section of the library exposes the steelwork. As they are visible, the connection between them needed to look a way to give a neat, uncluttered fixing to improve the architectural expression. The detailing was given to Conder Structures to provide a seamless steelwork without any bolts on show. (newsteelconstruction, 2008).
Figure 12. (Ryder, 2009)
Curtain Wall Glazing: Saint Goban manufactured the 1500 square meter glass façade. The Glazing used was a ‘new generation of temperable solar control glass’ (dowcorning, 2010). With the complexity of the design and the addition high market materials, a trust worthy source with a successful experience was needed. Curtain wall contractor Dane Architectural Systems Ltd vowed on the choice of fabricators due to the track record of project success (dowcorning, 2010).
This type of glass gives neutrality at the same time as lessening the amount of heat to pass through. Each Panel measured at 1500 x 4050mm and there was a total of 276 panels. These panels were joined using a Schucco system which allowed the glazing to be separately ordered, formed and packed for site. See ‘External Envelope’ for more details.
Construction Issues
Services
Logistics Orientation of the library being upon New Bridge Street, John Dobson Street and Princess Square meant there was a lot of issues with congestion and access with the public. There was evidence of earliness and lateness of materials deliveries, which resulted in temporary stops for the project. Foundations As previously mentioned, the foundations of the previous library were kept and used in the construction. Money and time was saved by disregarding hardcore filling with the substitution of polystyrene blocks. These blocks would have made huge hazards to the project due to wind issues.
As mentioned earlier with the issues of the services during demolition and construction. This resulted with more problems with accessibility by large vehicles. During this stage of construction an excavator hit a pipe that wasn’t specified on any maps and caused a fracture. Emergency services was called to the site and the area had to be blocked off from the public. Residents and The Council Due to the whereabouts of the library having proximity to the local council and members, businesses and residents, many surveys had to be taken out on surrounding structures to ensure no damage occurred throughout the project. Issues with scaffolding permits, highways and tower cranes were factors of concern. Monthly meetings with residents were mandatory to discuss inconvenience caused. Source: (20thcenturynewcastlearchitecture, 2010)
Transport to the library can be achieved through a number of different services. Travelling by car Newcastle has strict road systems that forces users to the specified routes. Highlighted in red. As previously mentioned the library doesn’t have parking facilities. However, the City offers some that are highlighted in yellow.
Travelling to the library via public transport can be achieved in three different ways. The Bus routes generally go round most parts of the city centre. These routes are highlighted in blue. Service stops and their location are also visible on the map.
Figure 13, Google Earth (Author, 2009)
Sun Path and Solar Analysis Incorporating a 3D model of Newcastle from James Charlton, we are able to deduct a sun path analysis throughout the day and different parts of the year. We can understand the orientation of the building and why and where certain building materials have been positioned throughout all parts Figure 15, Revit. (Author, 2009)
Figure 14, Revit. (Author, 2009)
Summer Morning: Sun Path directed upon eastern glaze elevation. Morning sun will heat up the space inside before eventually passing over. Winter Morning: Sun Path partially directed upon eastern glaze elevation. Sun very low in sky.
Figure 16, Revit. (Author, 2009)
Figure 17, Revit. (Author, 2009)
Referring to the Sun Path Diagram. I have demonstrated the suns position during mid-day over the summer period. We can see that there is little/no contact with the prominent eastern faรงade. Please see Figure 17
Summer Mid-Day: Mentioned in the diagram the eastern faรงade is sheltered. Sun contact starts from this point at the western facade via Princess Square.
Figure 18, Revit. (Author, 2009)
Summer Afternoon: Notice how the sun is in contact with the southern elevation both mid-day and afternoon. Here the Western elevation starts to form shadows from neighboring buildings as the sun starts to set.
Accessibility Spatial Functions
External: As previoiusly mentioned that the library doesn’t offer public parking. The available public parking throughout the city center vary in price depended on duration of stay. The library offers two entrances on different levels, the main entrance on New Bridge Street and the second on Princess Square. The main entrance via New Bridge Street is the most prominent entrance and is easily located by users by is position under the ‘box’ glazing overhang. A different shading of blue to the entrance glazing is used to help further distinguish from the other glazing, a sign upon the cladding also directs to the entrance. (See Figure 32 & 39) The secondary entrance located at Princess Square can be accessed through various routes, the busier areas such as Northumberland Street and Savile Row which are accessed through a narrow slopped gradient. Further signage is displayed from Northumberland Street however due to the restricted width the ‘entrance’ sign is vertically displayed and can be easily unnoticed.
Figures 19 - 20. (Author, 2017)
Alternatively, access can be acquired through the ‘brutalist’ concrete suspended walk way, this is located north of the building up the ramp that leads from Bewick Flats and leads to stairs down to New Bridge Street West. Wheel chair access is available to both entrances.
Figure 21. (Author, 2017)
Internal: Accessability within the building has been planned for a wide rang of users. ‘The colour scheme ties directly to the way finding through the building. Each of the different environments, zones and activities are represented by a different colour.’ (Ryder, 2009) Please refer to Internal Space page for more detail.
Lifts Alternatively, to the linear stair ways, lifts are available. (Figure 24) These lifts are transparent and are designed to access all floors. (Except that of Staff Floor 5). Colour zones and voice audio are present within the lift to further help with direction. Inside the lift is designed with material differences to distinguish the platform and the mechanical parts. Please refer to Internal Space Page for more information.
Stairs Stair noising is apparent throughout the library’s stairs. This is to both highlight in a different colour the edge of every step and for grip. Please refer to Internal Spatial Functions for more detail on stairs.
Easy Read Large Print / Brail The colour zones are presented by large colourful text that can be easily read. For those who are visually impaired there is frequent use of brail, this is normally located upon or under most floor signs.
Self Service (Induction Loop / Infrared Induction Loop) Self Service is available to users 24 hours, offering a variety of different functions to the user such as books, CD’s, DVD’s and users are given responsibility and own selfreliance without the need of interaction with staff. Induction loop systems are available at these stations to provide a clearer audio to those who are deaf or have hearing loss.
W/C’s Complying with approved document M, public toilet access is available on every level of the library. Staff toilets are also present towards the back of the building. Specified on the table on Figure 22 we can see the type and number of toilets on each floor. We can also see that the amount of Inward opening doors is considerably more than that of the outward opening doors. This is to help with wheelchair access. (Souce: Ryder, 2009)
Figure 22, Access and Statements. (Ryder, 2009)
Figure 23, Main Entrance (Author, 2017)
Figure 24, Lift Access. (Author, 2017)
Design Influence’s Figures 25-28. (Ryder, 2009) Employer Requirements
“A Building that will delight and inspire� (Ryder 2009) Ryder Architects had never designed a library before and had no experience in the sector. The approach they used was to look at the failures of the previous library to amend, and visits oversees to successful modern library for design influences. Here is a list of the libraries the visited.
Malmo Library, Sweden. One of the requirements of the new library is be both be both visible and transparent. Malmo station uses large curtain wall system to give both these requirements. Users can both easily see and read the building from the outside in order to read its internal function.
eliminating the feel of seclusion between each floor level like the previous library. This open space then allows users to have more sense of direction between floors and around the entire building. Figure 31. (Ryder, 2009)
Figure 29. (Ryder, 2009)
Figure 30. (Ryder, 2009) Ides Stores, Whtechapel; This Design influences the large open spans of horizontal and vertical space,
Black Diamond, Copepenhagen - Again large open spaces with the ability to transportations of materials. It was also an important and exciting project because it was opening up the possibility of regeneration on the east side of the city. (Ryder, 2009)
User Behaviour & Requirements Employer Requirements
The Design Brief for the ‘New City Library’ was given to short list bidders as part of the ‘Innovation to Negotiate’ Outlining the following requirements: (Newcastle City Library Notes, 2009) The brief clearly specifies that for the new library to work it had to develop and overcome the errors that occurred with the existing one. The main attention of the new design focused on:
library was too hidden from the public area even to towards the main shopping area Northumberland Street. The offset of the building obstructed the view of the entrance off Princess Square. To address issue with the new design should have its own dominant street frontage over its position and orientation. It needs to be designed in such a way that it had a prevailing attendance in the city.
Visibility
Transparency
Figure 32. (Ryder, 2009)
The design brief stressed that the new library should be orientated so that it wasn’t hidden like the previous city library. The view of the old
Many views of the old Library came across as though the internal functions were hidden way from the public, through the vast concrete fins. This mid-lead the public, misinterpreting the building a commercial multi story car parks or office rather than the actual function. To resolve this the requirements of the new city library brief stated that the design had to be transparent, where users can read the building from the outside.
Easy to Self-Orientate Self Service The idea was brought forward for the new library to be fully self-serviced. This will improve the efficiency in both staff costing, reducing congestions (if done well), and relocates staff to be elsewhere necessary. These items can be books, CD’s, DVD’s and users are given responsibility and own self-reliance without the need of interaction with staff. Self-Service’s results will give the new Library more floor space to work from removing the need for allocated queuing areas and a desk. Making Treasures Available In the previous library, some items were ‘hidden’ to the public and was stored in large stacks or restricted rooms off limits to the public. (Newcastle City Library Notes, 2009) Bs5454 Delight & Inspire
Looking at the lay out of the previous library we can assume it was poorly orientated, giving a bad sense of direction throughout the entire building. The function of a Library is to provide vast amounts of ordered information, allowing users to freely explore their interests. Making this a struggle to locate materials will affect the overall experience. Entering the old library, users had to walk quite some distance before they saw any reading material. Each floor space was very isolated due to closed ceilings and floors, the only access between each floor by an enclosed stairway and lifts. An idea was put forward to provide immediate subject upon access, by offering multiple entrances and views of materials instantly. This improves sense of orientation around the building and makes the building better to read upon arrival. The removal of isolated floors in the new library was part of the requirements, making it possible to see across each level. Sense of direction was even more improved with allocated colour zones which can be displayed on a ‘coulourwall’.
Internal Space Spatial Functions
Figure 33. (Ryder, 2009)
Figure 34. (Ryder, 2017)
When entering the building the atrium has a vast height allowing visitors to vies a large quantity of the building from the ground floor. The use of this mass open space meets the requirements of being able to orientate around the building. Four storeys high, the atrium allows visitors to see much of the library from one space (As the previous library had a ceiling on each level, secluding the users from the rest of the library). This ground floor offers ‘meeting and greeting space, providing information with enquiry points if required. It sets the tone for the rest of the library.’ (Ryder, 2009)
Figure 35. (Author, 2017)
Part of the design requirements was to allow the building to change its services uses for each area around the library. Preplanning on the number of inner walls and internal features was thought of to allow possible changes throughout.
Structurally the building Is supporting with steel framing. This framing design to distribute the loads and span freely in such a way that mass loads are carried through the building. Eliminating the need for large quantities of columns providing more internal space whilst delivering a more uncluttered look. Framing allows further adaptations to buildings for future use.
Each floor has flexible plates that makes it possible to change the use if needs be. This flooring has also been raised to allow room for storage and services to run through. Services located under the floor allows for ease of access for maintenance and to improve tidiness around the building.
Figure 36. (Author, 2017)
Figure 37. (Ryder, 2009)
The stairs between each level have long uniform length that reach from level 1 all the way to the top level 6 with intermediate central landings. The use of straight stairs allows for less seclusion and obstruction of views like the previous library allowing for view of the library. The stairs are held using internal framing system that is in rhythm with the rest of the framing throughout the building. (See Figure 37)
Figures 38. (Author, 2017)
All floors and zones are distinguished using colour zoning. This provides navigation through building, by representing in each different activities and environments in colours. This makes the building easy to read in terms of user orientation through clarity and simplicity. (See Figure 38)
Figure 39. (Author, 2017)
Exterior Envelope Materials Employed
The alignment of materials of the library meets the visibility requirement in the design brief. Looking at figure 40 we can see the blue box providing a visible link from the iconic Greys Monument. The framing system allows the box to create the overhang which allows more of an offset from the neighboring parallel buildings, above ground level. Previously mentioned this overhang also allows for sense of direction to the entrance.
Figure 40. (Author, 2017)
Following on the alignment of materials ‘the box is located on the east side of the building alongside john Dobson street. This glazing is measured at (1,050sqm) and is unprotected,
allowing the morning sun to heat up the space inside. The The south elevation (550sqm) however is partially covered by aluminium louvers (brises soleis) that run horizontally, these are apparent to the elevation to control the amount of heat to enter preventing overheating. These automatically tilt in accordance to the suns position to allow further protection. (See Figure 39) West of the library facing Princess Square involves a curtain wall technology and consists of metal rain screen cladding, this bends around to the north side too, adding more of a variety of material finish, resulting in giving a more fashionable façade. West of the building also exists a scattering of small of which are covered by vertical blades that furthermore control the amount of heat that enters the internal space. These blades are finished with different blue tones to compliment the glazing on the opposing façade. Each façade includes a course of stack bonded polished masonry blocks. These blocks are load bearing, but most the structure is supported through the framing system. The east
elevation consists of these blocks from the ground floor to the 6th floor. See Figure 41. Art work, Four Questions - The glazed façade of the city library facing John Dobson Street features a great work of art. This work of art is called ‘Four Questions’. The meaning of this artwork was created by
a local artist named Kathryn Hodgkinson. This art Is represented through laminated graphics, are the words of the Newcastle residents, of which was a reply to four questions. ‘what makes you happy’, ‘what do you fear’, ‘what would you change’ and ‘what gives you hope’. (dowcorning, 2010)
Figure 41. (Author, 2017)
Multi-Functional Spaces Spatial Functions
Space within the library has been designed in such a way, that throughout the life span of the building tithe internal space can be shared and change if needed. Floors are designed for multi-functional spaces with multifunctional purposes.
Figure 42. (Ryder, 2009)
Figure 43. (Ryder, 2009) An example of this is Berwick Hal located on level 2l. This has been designed to allow flexibility and movability in space. Made from Junkers sprung wooden floor, equipped with dismountable stage. (CityLibraryNotes, 2009) This hall is designed to allow the use for, meetings, conferences and performances. Following this case study will show the facilities and floor space on each level. Front of house highlighted in green, and back of house highlighted in blue.
Figure 44. (ISSUU, 2017)
Meeting/informal seating area with download/listening/DVD viewing point. 3 enquiry points to accommodate up to 6 staff Agency area/interview room 5 Computers 62 Study Areas 2 OPACs (library catalogue computers. Non-fiction lending and ‘not for loan’ interfiled Newspaper and Magazines 10 study carrels (2 wheelchair accessible) Main Atrium 554sqm 2 Public Access Lifts 2 Public Access W/C’s Source: CityLibraryNotes, 2009) Back of House: Loading bay/dispatch SSSS Main Switch Board
Figure 45. (Author, 2017)
Figure 46. (ISSUU 2017)
Café. Baby Changing Space. Adult Changing Space. Public Male and Female Toilets. Colourwall Crèche. 12 Internet Express – Quick use, maximum 15 minutes, 2 wheelchair accessible. Exhibition area with dismountable display facilities. 1 self-service unit. Bewick Hall, maximum capacity 185. Mobile Quick Choice . Demountable Exhibition space. Back of House: Kitchen Staff Toilets, Changing Rooms, Performers Dressing Rooms and Staff Stairs Lift for Heavy Goods Source: CityLibraryNotes, 2009)
Figure 47. (Author, 2017)
Figure 48. (ISSUU 2017)
Children Zone. Fiction Area – A-Z sequence, genres, talking books, large print, graphic novels, magazines. World Languages. Music and Multi- Media in the ‘grid’ – CD’s, DVD’s .Music Software. 1 OPAC. Lending and ‘not for loan’ books on music and film. Source: CityLibraryNotes, 2009)
Back of House: Emergency Stair Case
Figure 49. (Author, 2017)
Figure 50. (ISSUU 2017)
1 enquiry point. Computer Suite 35 free access public network computers. Exchange Group Small reprographics area. Meting rooms/Digital Theatre Book Gallery Staff Work Area Enquiry Centre Storage Areas x 3 Back of House: 3 Storage Rooms Securty Room Cleaners Storage Fire Stairs Source: CityLibraryNotes, 2009)
Figure 51. (Author, 2017)
Figure 52. (ISSUU 2017)
Staff Only Figure 53. (Author, 2017) Adaptable Book Stacks for future requirements Administration/Staff Deployment McKenzie Bust ‘History of Newcastle Management Team Areaa Staff Lounge and Kitchen, 120 staff lockers, toilets and showers. Storage Areas x 3 Source: CityLibraryNotes, 2009)
Back of House: Emergency Stair Case
Figure 54. (ISSUU, 2017)
Figure 55. (Author, 2017) Environmental Controlled (BS5454) Historic Collection 2 enquiry Points. Information Seating Area. 2 Information Screens. 84n Study Spaces, 14 free access computers, 24 microfiche readers, 6 with microform reader/printers. 4 OPAC’s. 2 Meeting Rooms. Viewing Gallery Seating with Ryder’s ‘Swan and Egg’ chairs. Source: CityLibraryNotes, 2009).
Hard Landscaping Materials Employed Spatial Functions
John Dobson Street and New Bridge Street, being close to the road has little room for landscaping elements. This floor has been repaved with the addition of bike racks, trees and street furniture. This gives the building more of a prominent Princess Square has also been repaved and landscaped. New access from John Dobson Street has been made with the addition of public stairs. Flooring has also been repaved on the approach to the square. This external space
Figure 56. (Ryder, 2012)
has been used as an external space form the library alone.
Design Flaws
Fire Exits The Fire Exits are located towards the south facing facade within the large atrium that run along each floor. These can be easily avoided as they are truly well hidden.
Climate Control Sign Communication When the interior of the library comes too hot, and the air conditioning isn’t satisfactory. Small windows at the very top of the library open via a heat sensor resulting in a small amount of cool air to circulate around the building.
Figure 57. by (Author, 2017)
A ‘Library’ sign located on the faced facing john Dobson street façade has been placed hidden behind the suspended walkway. This walkway obstructs the sign leaving it unnoticed to most users.
Figure 58. by (Author, 2017)
Princess Square Drainage Maintenance Most windows contain selfcleaning glass, however the weather can make the glazing need further maintenance. As you can see in figure 59, the glazing appears to be dusty. Maintenance by hand will tackle this problem and higher up glazing will be cleaned using a long pole or even a cradle.
Figure 59. (Author, 2017)
The Street Furniture and landscaping elements located on Princess square result in drainage issues, as the area is on a gradient the rainwater collects and flows downwards. The furniture Wind Issues The entrance facing Princess square has problems with wind. This is due to the arrangement of surrounding buildings creating a wind tunnel that is drawn in that circulates strong drafts. One member of staff explained that the wind has damaged the mechanisms in the automatic doors. Three replacements have been since the opening of the library. This entrance is locked during high winds. (See Figure**) Figure 60. (Author, 2017)
References
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