SCONUL Library Design Award 2013
Library Design awards show libraries at the heart of academic life
Augustine House Library and Student Services Centre at Canterbury Christ Church
University is the joint winner of the 2013 prestigious SCONUL Library Design Awards.
The awards have been made every three years since 1973 and recognise the best in the
design of higher education libraries. Images of the winning libraries are available here.
Liz Waller, chair of the judging panel, said
“Augustine House Library and Student Services Centre at Canterbury Christ Church
combines modern design with sensitivity to its historic location by the city walls. It
provides flexible and inspiring learning environments which put the student first.
Citation for Augustine House Learning and Student Services Centre,
Canterbury Christ Church University
This award is made for a new, modern building that remains sensitive to its historic
location by the city walls. Augustine House brings together the physical resources of
the Library with flexible and inspiring learning environments and a single point of
enquiry for student-facing services, putting into practice the university’s ‘student-first’
ethos.
The extensive use of glass gives exciting views to the rest of the building and the city
beyond from the internal bridges on each floor across the light-filled atrium.
Accessibility and inclusion were integral to the design of this sustainable building; a
flagship venue for the University and local community. Engagement of staff in service
development alongside the thoughtful planning of the space has delivered substantial
increases in student satisfaction and Library use.
