Biography       

Alexi Marmot is an architect and planner and founding director of AMA Alexi Marmot Associates, established in 1990 to help organisations use their building assets effectively. She is a visiting professor at Sheffield Hallam University. As a CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) Enabler, Alexi has helped advise Newcastle on its new libraries, presented to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport on library design, and authored guidance to help public sector clients to achieve successful buildings, demystifying the design and construction process. Redesigning libraries in universities and colleges is one of her areas of expertise.

Abstract: Changing library design: getting the most from your capital investment.

This paper looks at how building and interior design can help deliver an effective service at a time when capital investment in libraries is increasing worldwide. The paper covers:

• Library design: how good design can increase visibility, customer numbers and usage. UK and international evidence;

• What we can learn from history: looking at design and management of early public library buildings;

• New building models: city centre and local libraries;

• New design concepts: ‘urban living rooms', ‘idea stores', ‘local learning/business/cultural centres' and ‘internet cafes';

• Makeovers of existing buildings;

• Practicalities: funding (PFI and other sources), choosing the right team (client, designers, contractors, facility managers) and finding the operating revenues;

• Role of staff, customers and ‘friends' – what the UK and USA can learn from each others' experience.

This page was last updated on: 12 September, 2006