The New Building

a architect(s)

18 Firm

Lewis&Hickey Architects, www.lewishickey.com/

19 Project Architect

Emily Forde

20 Type of project

renovation

b aims of the new building

21 Short description of the main objectives and purposes of the project

Full vision for project available at http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/services/library-museum-gallery/using-library/mlrp/redevelopment/vision

Brief project vision is:

The redeveloped Main Library building will be:

- An intellectual hub for the University

- The focus for a wide range of activities in learning and

research

- A place where users can engage and converse with each

other and with information specialists

- More open and accessible

- Flexible to accommodate changes in the future

c special features

22 Site

Location on campus in square which is all University buildings. Location is between 2 green spaces, George Square and the Meadows. Redevelopment has “brought the outside in”.

23 Architecture

Original building designed by Sir Basil Spence and opened in 1967. For history of building see http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/services/library-museum-gallery/using-library/mlrp/redevelopment/history

Building was A listed in 2005. Building is rectilinear, very fine finishes - exposed polished concrete frame, polished concrete pillars, finishes in teak and beech. Exterior is primarily horizontal. Modular grid is 27 square feet.

Redevelopment is of similar high quality, retaining listed features. Modest introduction of highlight colours, and elliptical shape based on the proportions of the building plan.