Newcastle City Library Case Study
Overview Newcastle City Library is a building that is located right in the heart of the city of Newcastle, specifically it is located on a corner site where New Bridge Street West meets John Dobson Street. The stated address for the library is 33 New Bridge Street W, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AX. The building is located on the following coordinates: Latitude: 54.974911- Longitude: 1.610391. The procurement of the job was won by Ryder Architecture, who are a locally based firm, who have completed many projects in the area. The library was completed in March 2009, at a cost of £24 million and covered an area of 8300 square ft. according to Ryder themselves they say: The brief was to provide a building to 'delight and inspire' and to create a model for twenty first century library facilities. The library has been widely acclaimed by the public, staff and stakeholders. It is a civic landmark and a meeting place. It accommodates a range of supporting facilities, a cafe, crèche and public meeting and exhibition spaces. It is fully accessible, inclusive and close to public transport. It is environmentally responsible, accessible, inclusive and fun – a ‘living room for the city’.” (Ryder,2009) Looking at the building from outside we can see that it is a steel framed structure, with a large glazed curtain wall façade on the east side and clad facades elsewhere. The building is very contemporary and cutting edge in terms of its looks and is quite unique in terms of how surrounding buildings look. Due to the central position of the building within the city, there are many different styles and types of buildings surrounding the site in which the building sits. The landscaping and general area around the site is also very important to the library in terms of how it feels to its users and how it looks externally in its surroundings.
Viewing Gallery Level 6
History of the Library In 1878 plans were finally approved to create a lending library on the existing site that we see today. It was to include two reading rooms, a reference library and librarians’ office. The original library opened in 1882, which saw a large demand for books, with around one third of people using the library, aged 14 to 20 years old. Over 120 years later, the same research was carried out into the libraries users, this study found that only 38% of those aged 16-24 years using the library intended to borrow books. This highlighted the need for more facilities to become available such as places to use the internet, quiet working spaces and social gathering areas.
The first library on the site was of a Victorian stone built structure, with imposing stone carved facades and an Italian mosaic floor in the entrance lobby. With the original reference library opening in the 1800’s, since then the library has built up an extensive collection of rare books and material, which has been kept and is still available in the new library today.
Design Influences The library sector is an area that has changed quite significantly over the past few years and in the case of the city library in Newcastle has changed drastically from the original library building in the 1800’s. the demographic and the way in which people use libraries has seen a huge change, with the younger generation not using their facilities as much as they have done in previous years. The previous library that stood before the new city library which became very quickly outdated and its 1960’s technology in terms of the structure its self and the library facilities were no longer useable. Towards the end of the life of the previous library it was clear that the old fashioned 1960’s was detreating extensively and created a shabby and run down look to the entire building and its surrounding areas.
At the very beginning of the project, the question was asked by architects working at Ryder, as well experienced members of staff, “Start with what was wrong with the old library”. After discussion, it was found that Malmo in Sweden would be a great place to take inspiration for the new library, in terms of its general design, as well as how it works for it users. Malmo City Library The city library in Malmo, Sweden is a design that heavily influenced the design of general feel of the library we see today in Newcastle. The large glazed façade with a multi-story atrium at the heart of the space. This particular design won many awards in Sweden for both its design and its ability to offer an extensive range of material to its users, over many different levels, including Sweden’s most prestigious award, the Malmo City Architecture Award.
In line with one of the requirements from the employer, the library in Malmo provided great inspiration as it gives that flexibility for users, with smaller spaces available for quieter, individual working areas, and larger open spaces for more social working and learning spaces.
Black Diamond Library The library known as the black Diamond in Copenhagen, Denmark was also provided some design influence for the Newcastle Library. Completed in 1999 the library in Denmark revolutionized libraries in terms of their design and how they worked for its users. Designed by Schmidt Hammer Lessen architects, the sharp monolith in black marble with its tilting angles on the port of Copenhagen attracted many tourists and citizens for its architecture. The Architects vision for this library was similar to that, of the employers for Newcastle City Library. This meant Ryder could take this vision that Schmidt Hammer Lassen had and adapt that to the needs of Newcastle City Council and the Libraries users.
The architecture of the building with its open levels and visual contact to the outside world will embrace all new media, experiment with new formats and new ways of learning, networking and socializing. At the same time its function as a 24/7 pivot of the city’s cultural life is secured through informal meeting places and venues for cultural events. (Schmidt Hammer Lessen, 2016.)
Site Conditions and Construction Soil conditions In any site, ground and soil conditions are a factor that must be analyzed and considered carefully. In the case of the Newcastle city library the ground conditions are Slowly permeable seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils (Soilscape,2015). Services During the design stage and initial ground works, services are an aspect of the build that became challenging. Due to an existing building on the site, which had to be demolished, this meant all services had to be disconnected before any new building works began. This became a challenge for the groundworks team as all services had to be kept live as they serviced many nearby buildings. (Phaethon, 2009)
John Luke, Project Manager, Talent (the contractor)
Steel/ glazed structure In terms of how and what material are used to construct the building, steel and glass. played a major part in this. One of the most striking features of the new building is the glazed grid on John Dobson Street which returns on to New Bridge Street at the front of the building, giving passers-by the impression of a large open library bookcase. Behind this box is a four storey, 23m x 15m atrium that will fill the library with light. Artist Kathryn Hodgkinson has created an etched design that runs across the entire area of the glazing on the John Dobson Street elevation, inspired by interviews with 2,000 Newcastle residents about their hopes and dreams for the city. (NSC, 2008)
Site Plan Highlighted in red are the buildings in the immediate surroundings of the site, this site plan gives more of an indication of where buildings are in terms of the orientation and distance to the site. I have used blue arrows to show the direction of traffic around the site, the plan shows that the site Is near the busy New Bridge Street and John Dobson Street. This has several implications for the building which are discussed in more detail in this report. The purple arrows that can be seen on the site plan shows the prevailing wind direction in relation to the site, as we can see the direction is from west to east. The only issue that I can see with wind in relation to the library, is that in high winds New Bridge street can become a wind tunnel of sorts which could mean that for users of the library it could become very windy, this is a problem that cannot realistically be resolved due to the nature of the site. I have also shown the orientation on the library and the sun rise and sun set.
Landscape In terms of the landscape surrounding the city library, a lot of it is to be expected due to the library being in the heart of the city. Although a significant part of the landscape surrounding the building are roads which run adjacent to the site along New Bridge Street and John Dobson Street to the east. This kind of harsh does give the building quite a commercial feel, however due site constraints limiting external space, greenery or planting around the site is something that is very difficult to achieve. Although on the eastern side of the site on both sides of John Dobson street there are some trees and shrubs which go some way in breaking up and softening the large façades of both the library
Blue Carpet Within proximity to the site there is the ‘blue carpet’, this is a public walkthrough from other side of New Bridge Street and it uses blue glass tiles within the paving. This design was supposed to make the area stand out and looking different depending on lighting. However, it did not work as well as the designers hope and was the victim of vandalism on several occasions and wear and tear means most of the blue in the paving is not visible and looks worn. Although in terms of the open space it provides for the area around library I feel that it offers a good meeting point for people and the use of greenery also breaks up the expanse of roads and concrete paving.
As we can see from the image above the ‘blue carpet’ has not really stood the test of time and has become quite worn and discoloured over a relatively short space of time.
Sun Path Analysis The sun is something that has quite a significant effect on the city library in particular because of its largely glazed facades in terms of overheating and glare into the building. This means that some sun path analysis is important in this type of building to ensure it is fit for purpose. One simple tool that can be used to get idea on the sun path at a location on a specific day is ‘SunCal’. Shown above is the sun path on the 19th October, it shows when the sun rises and sets and gives an indication on where direct sunlight will hit the building and the site. As previously seen in this case study, the sunrises in the east at 7:45am on this particular day and sets at around 6pm in the west. Due to the large glazed façade on the library, sunrise reflects off the façade and gives a welcoming, warm feel to the large atrium, as well as providing excellent natural daylight.
Employers Requirements
For the client on this project (Newcastle City Council) the library had to meet certain requirements. The vision was to create a new city library for the C21, a landmark building which the people of the north east can be proud of. The building was to act as a cultural destination and as a catalyst for new placemaking and urban renewal. It was to animate and embellish its immediate urban context, providing a civic presence to New bridge street, a transparent animated face to John street and renewed life to princess square (Newcastle City Council, 2007).
The new library, unlike any other building in the city was to become a place where everyone can gather. Not only a gathering place, but a research facility, sanctuary, communications center, architectural statement and a cultural center. (Newcastle City Council, 2009.
(Ryder, 2007)
One key requirement for the library was that it was fully accessible to all and could be used and enjoyed any anyone. Ryder and the contractor worked together to create an access statement for the building, ensuring this was carried out correctly. Newcastle City Council employed specialist consultants to inform on how the buildings design would work in terms of accessibility. Individual disability and potential disabled users were brought in to help develop the buildings design, as well as what fixtures and fittings would be of use. The two images (right/below) taken from google earth, show the steps taken to provide easy access, with ramped access from Northumberland street and up Lisle street. (google earth, 2016)
In terms other accessibility to the building, there are two entrances open to the public, one on New Bridge Street and the other on princess square. The main entrance to the library on New Bridge Street, is denoted using color contrast (blue) to make it easily identifiable to the visually impaired.
Visibility- this was another key requirement set out by the employer. Although the previous library was very large and located in the heart of the city, it was not visible from the main shopping street, Northumberland street. To address this, a requirement for the new library to feature a high - profile street presence and entrance, and that the second entrance on princess square was visible from Northumberland street Transparency- another key requirement for the City Council was that the libraries function was clear. In the previous library, the largely external concrete structure meant the public could not see into the building, meaning that library was often mistaken for an office block or car park. To overcome this, the new design sees large areas of elevations that are glazed, meaning passersby can see in and by drawn to use the facilities. Easy to orientate- being able to orientate around the spaces in the library was an area that it failed on. In the previous library, accessibility was only possible from princess square, meaning users had to travel some way before they encountered any books or facilities. In the new library visitors can enter from level 2 at princess square and see over into the information center below, and see up through the atrium into levels 3 and 4. The open plan floor plates mean it easier to see across all floor plates and move around the space more efficiently
(Newcastle City Council,2009)
Transport Links In terms of transport links in and around the Library and the city, there are several options. Metro- the metro is a great way to travel into the city and visit the library. The nearest metro station is Monument, around a 3 minute walk to the library itself. Travelling from Sunderland to the monument station it takes around 30 minutes. Bus links- buses are one of the easiest and most effective ways to travel to the library from Newcastle and around the city. There are several bus services that stop on New bridge street and give easy access for both able and disabled people. I have attached some timetables for both the metro and some bus timetables for reference. Public transport links are something that are very comprehensive in Newcastle and give people great incentive to come and make use of the libraries facilities.
(Nexus, 2017)
Microclimate In terms of the climate in Newcastle, the city is relatively temperate and does not face many weather extremes that could affect the building or its users.
Wind Wind is a factor that is going to affect nearly every building on any site no matter what its location. In the case of the city library the building is relatively protect from adjacent buildings in terms of the prevailing wind direction. Although the North East of England can be vulnerable to high winds, Newcastle does not suffer from high winds that often due to it being inland and not directly on the coast. The map (right) shows wind averages from the Met office.
Temperature
As we can see from the image (right) that is taken from the Met office website, the average maximum temperature for Newcastle is around 11-14 degrees Celsius. Although this is slightly lower than some of the UK, it is still relatively temperate.
Surrounding Area In terms of the immediate surroundings of the library there are several buildings within close proximity. One of the most prominent is the Laing Art Gallery which sits directly opposite the library to the east. The gallery is something that is more typically seen throughout the city in terms of its age and the stone and brickwork construction. I feel that the art gallery is something that gives quite an enjoyable view from the library glazed eastern faรงade.
(Newcastle city council, 2017)
This image taken from google earth (google earth, 2016) shows the Pearl Assurance building that sits directly adjacent to the western faรงade of the building. As we can see from the image, there stark contrast between the contemporary grey cladding on the library (right) and the grey concrete faรงade (left) of the commercial building next door. In terms of the other buildings that surround the site, many of these are commercial buildings such as offices, retail space and car parking facilities. Directly next to the west side of the site is a large 1960s concrete building that is currently been use as retail space for banks and offices above. In terms of how this looks and affects the library, the building is not particularly appealing to look at and does is not in keeping with the modern steel and glass design of the library. I feel that the building does not work cohesively in terms of how it looks next to the contemporary library, however older concrete buildings are widely seen throughout the city and are to be expected in such as central location.
Spatial Functions In terms of the libraries spatial functions, there are several different spaces set over 6 floors. One focus for the library in terms how its spatial use, was to create areas that can be used for many different purposes. The section taken from the southern elevation (Ryder, 2007) illustrates how each space works in the building and what each floor is used for. It also gives an idea as to the proportions of the spaces and what materials have been used.
The use of colour is a very effective way in which the library denotes one space from another. This helps users find and access spaces much more easily.
Level 1- External • John Dobson Street and New Bridge Street repaved around the building, trees planted and new street furniture. • A ‘brise soleil’’ (fins which shade windows from direct sunlight) has been installed to the New Bridge Street elevation. • ‘24 hour library’; vending machine (holds up to 400 items books, CDs, DVDs). 24 hour book, CD, DVD returns. • Main blue box entrance on New Bridge St reet providing a visible link on the approach from the Monument. • Atrium - enables customers and visitors to see the services and facilities available on the upper levels. • Radio Frequency Identification (RRFID)) antennae •
2 semi scenic lifts
Level 1 in the library is a floor essentially around giving customers the information they need as they initially enter the library and look to find the resources they need. Some of the specifications/ information include: • • • •
Mobile ‘quick choice’ display units Meeting/ informal seating area Retail sales ‘Tyne bridge publication’ 3 enquiry points to accommodate 6 staff
• • • • •
5 public access pc’s 62 study spaces 10 study carrels interview room newspapers and magazines
Level 2 The Berwick Hall, exhibition space, crèche and café. •
• • • • • • • •
Princess square repaved and landscaped, new public staircase from New Bridge Street, other approaches to the square repaved. Water usage (rainwater and mains) indicator. Energy indicator (kilowatt hours of free heated water) Colourwall directional coded signage. Café (operated by Stewart &Co). Baby feed and change Public female and male toilets Exhibition area with display facilities. Mobile ‘quick choices’ display units.
• •
Bewick Hall, maximum seated capacity 185 (174 if 6 wheelchairs accommodated) sprung wooden floor, demountable stage, lighting rig, sounds system. Level 2 can be secured from the rest of the building for out of hours activities.
Level 3 Fiction, Children’s, Music and multi- media • Pc’s provided in each zone • Fiction area (A-Z sequence, talking books, large print, magazines etc.) • World languages • Music and multi- media area, house on the ‘grid’ a glass open sided area suspended over the public staircase. • Children’s activity room • Two information screens
Level 4 Book Gallery, ICT and Staff accommodation • • • • •
• • • • •
Enquiry point for up to 2 staff Computer suite with 35 pc’s Reprographics area Meeting rooms/ theatre Book gallery (made up of ‘hidden treasures’ that are changed on a regular basis) Staff work area Enquiry centre for incoming library service queries Hard facilities management contractor office Storage areas Office work interviews and quiet work
Level 5 Book stacks, staff accommodation and administration
• Book stacked designed to be adaptable to future service requirements/ public space if needed. Stack may be viewed through glazed panels. • Administration/ staff deployment • Management team area open plan with offices for interviews • Head of service linked by acoustic folding partition with boardroom • Staff lounge and kitchen, with 120 staff lockers, toilets and showers • Storage area
Level 6 Local studies and family history • Extensive collection of books and other material. Stored in secure environmentally controlled (BS5454) stack area • 2 enquiry points for 3 staff • informal seating area • 2 Information screens • 84 study spaces, with 14 public pc’s • 2 meeting rooms • viewing gallery • Newcastle collectioninspired by British Library in London. Displayed in environmentally controlled conditions
All information on spatial details obtained from facilities and administration staff at Newcastle City library. Floor plans obtained from Ryder Architecture.
Internal Accessibility Lift The library contains two semi- glazed lifts which are located in the main atrium area and are visible from all entrances. There are also two fire-fighting lifts in the building which can be used for escape purposes by the public, including wheelchair users. This provision is in excess of what would be required to comply with regulations and requires that a wheelchair refuge is provided at each level. 
All lifts comply with EN81.


Access to level 2,3 4 and 6 are available to the public, with level 5 being access for staff only. Door width of 89cm meaning only 1 wheelchair at any one time can use the lift. Braille markings are not available inside the lift, although audio prompts are used to indicate floor level.
Atrium Walkways
Internal Doors
Walkways surround the atrium on the north and west side on levels 2, 3 and 4. The walkways are protected by 1100mm high glazed balustrades. If users do not feel safe with transparent distinction to atrium below, they can access facilities without using the exposed walkways.
Internal manual doors designed so that opening force does not exceed 30N, in accordance with Approved Document M. The width of all doors is 300mm and also in accordance with Approved Document M.
References/ Bibliography Lomholt, I. and Dean, C. (2016). Black Diamond Copenhagen, Sort Diamant: Royal Library - e-architect. [online] e-architect. Available at: https://www.e-architect.co.uk/copenhagen/sort-diamant-copenhagen [Accessed 1 Nov. 2017]. Librarybuildings.info. (2008). Malmรถ City Library | librarybuildings.info. [online] Available at: http://www.librarybuildings.info/sweden/malmo-city-library [Accessed 13 Oct. 2017]. Ryderarchitecture.com. (2009). Newcastle City Library - Ryder Architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.ryderarchitecture.com/projects/newcastle-city-library.htm [Accessed 12 Oct. 2017]. newsteelconstruction.com. (2008). Steel writes a new chapter for Tyneside. [online] Available at: http://www.newsteelconstruction.com/wp/%EF%BF%BCsteel-writes-a-new-chapter-for-tyneside/ [Accessed 2 Nov. 2017]. Ajbuildingslibrary.co.uk. (2009). AJBL - Ryder Architecture. [online] Available at: http://www.ajbuildingslibrary.co.uk/projects/display/id/3550 [Accessed 2 Nov. 2017]. Phethean, E. (2009) The library book. Newcastle Upon Tyne: City of Newcastle Upon Tyne in association with Ryder Architecture, Newcastle Libraries, Tyne Bridge. Newcastle City Council, Ryder Architecture (2009) Newcastle City Library Access Statement. Newcastle Upon Tyne. Newcastle City Council, Ryder Architecture (2009) City Library Notes. Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Disabledgo.com. (2015). City Library | DisabledGo. [online] Available at: https://www.disabledgo.com/access-guide/newcastle-city-council/city-library [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017]. Soilscapes, (2015) ‘Soil type viewer’. http://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes [Accessed 25th October] Ajbuildingslibrary.co.uk. (2009). AJBL - Ryder Architecture. [online] Available at: http://www.ajbuildingslibrary.co.uk/projects/display/id/3550 [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017]. Tolent Construction | Built on Commitment. (2009). Tolent Construction | Built on Commitment. [online] Available at: http://www.tolent.co.uk/single-post/2016/10/31/Newcastle-City-Library [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017].