Birchfield Library

client: Birmingham City Council

A shortlisted RIBA competition proposal for a new community library and adult education centre.

The proposal is a two storey building which acts as a focal point for local regeneration. Its location on a corner site draws the local community through a spacious and easily accesible main entrance. A double layered translucent facade provides ventilation and incorporates lighting to illuminate the building at night.

The building’s layout combines several functions - library, performance and music spaces, adult education centre and offices. This is achieved by creating a flexible and spacious ground floor foyer for noisy activities while the library’s inner caches of contoured shaped spaces create a quieter and introspective treatment as they face towards garden courtyards.