With government cuts threatening the closure of many libraries around the UK, the trend has been reversed in the London borough of Southwark, where Camberwell Library was officially opened last month after being opened to the public in November 2015.
Designed by architect John McAslan + Partners and built by Balfour Beatty, the £2m project is part of an £11m regeneration scheme for the Camberwell area.
Next to Camberwell Green and Camberwell Magistrates’ Court, the two-storey building has a distinctive entrance and aims to create a strong civic presence with large picture windows bringing daylight into the heart of the building.
It consists of three distinct elements: the library entrance space, the pedestrian spine, and the forecourt of the Magistrates’ Court.
An oak staircase links the floors (above) and the library features a young person’s zone (below)
An American oak staircase links the ground floor, mezzanine, and first-floor, which includes meeting rooms and viewing areas. The building’s green roof is sown with wildflower seeds.
Within the building there are different library areas on the ground floor including a children’s and young person’s zone, with seating and places to read.
The 800 sq m project also includes a photovolatic installation, underfloor heating, and natural ventilation with wind-catchers.
Hannah Lawson, project manager at John McAslan + Partners, said: “Our design responds to the new library’s pivotal location on Camberwell Green, optimising views both into and out of the building. The newly created public realm provides a prominent civic setting for the new building and will be a dynamic focal point for the local community.”
According to council figures the project has already been a success, with the number of new borrowers, visits and items issued more than doubling since opening in November.
Large picture windows bring daylight to the heart of the building
