Key：US | 2013 | Library

项目概况:

The Library of Birmingham, United Kingdom designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo Architecten in 2010 is located in the center of Birmingham and opened in 2013. The £193 million 60-meter-high building of 10 floors covers an area of 31,000 square meters and is shortlisted in 2014 RIBA Sterling Prize for the unique design. On the site of the existing library is a new transparent glass building. Its delicate filigree skin is inspired by the artisan tradition of this once industrial city. Elevators and escalators dynamically placed in the heart of the library forms connections between the eight circular spaces within the building. These rotundas play an important role not only in the routing through the library but also provide natural light and ventilation. The building volume steps away, creating a second open-air space, an elevated garden with panoramic views. At the summit, the rooftop rotunda will offer spectacular views over the entire city. It is a BREEAM excellent rated building and incorporates grey water systems and ground source heat pumps. Although the Library is a transparent building, it maintains energy efficiency through the buffering capacity of the building mass and the atria. Sun shading and reflective materials within the facades block the harsh rays of the sun during the height of afternoon while allowing natural daylight into the interiors. Shakespeare Memorial Room and offices are set on the rooftop of the building. The eight floors above the ground are the reading area. The children’s library, study center, music library, multimedia and archives are set on the ground floor. And also there are exhibition halls, cafes and lounge space, community health center, new shared auditorium (300 seats).