‘Post-war Britain was in such a rush to rebuild that, in some ways, it cut corners. The emphasis was placed too much on functionality over form. Ugly council estates, poorly-planned schools, and badly-designed hospitals sprang up all over the place.
‘So when John Betjeman wrote those immortal lines beckoning friendly bombs to “fall on Slough, because it’s not fit for humans now”, he struck a chord with many. He also exposed the real problem with poor architectural design: it forgets that buildings are designed to be used by people.’
This was Tessa Jowell announcing the winner of the 2005 Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award (Jubilee Library, Brighton), when she also set the challenge for public building design:
‘Buildings that welcome and include. Buildings that excite and energise. Buildings that stand as a testament to our achievements today, and our hopes for tomorrow.’
National background
In 2000, the Prime Minister set up the Better Public Building Initiative1 to work towards a fundamental change in the quality of building design in the public sector. The initiative underscored the benefits of well-designed public buildings, which can:
- revitalise neighbourhoods and cities
- transform derelict sites and neglected buildings, reducing pressure on the countryside
- uplift and bring hope to run-down communities
- reduce crime, illness, and truancy
- help public services perform better and aid staff recruitment and retention.
Good design is not a costly luxury. In fact, best practice in integrating design and construction delivers better value for money – as well as better buildings. And this is especially apparent when you look at the full costs of a building over its lifetime.
Further drivers for change specific to public libraries have included the decline in traditional lending and usage patterns, Framework for the Future2 and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and other disability legislation.3
Other influential publications in the field include Better Public Libraries,4 and 21st Century Libraries.5
Set against this, the Third Report of the Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport in 20056 identified ‘a crumbling public library estate and the substantial sums required to bring library buildings into decent repair. Our evidence was clear that a significant barrier to library use was shabby buildings, whether inside or out…DCMS undertook an asset management survey of local councils earlier this year that estimated the backlog of maintenance for those library authorities who responded (about a third of all local authorities) is £79.8m.’
Design criteria
The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Cabe) sets out the following criteria for excellence in design of public spaces:7
- a welcoming, accessible building, encouraging both existing and new users to cross the threshold and engage with activities in it
- a clearly identifiable entrance
- an easily navigable building organisation with the ability to find one’s way around building with minimal reliance on signs
- consideration of cross-flows in entrance/ticketing area, avoiding queues blocking circulation routes
- a positive contribution to the public realm… using social spaces such as café/bar or foyers to interface with the public realm
- meeting comfort expectations of the audience base
- contributing to vitality and viability of town centres and night-time economy
- a strong daytime and night-time presence
- a good functional fit with the specific technical requirements of the particular leisure/arts use(s)
- an attractive destination.
Raft of architectural awards
So how are these governmental and professional recommendations implemented in the library world?
A raft of architectural awards – beyond the library world – for libraries in the UK and the Republic of Ireland has demonstrated the significance of good design. These include the iconic Peckham Library, Southwark (Stirling Prize 2000), Bournemouth Library and Brighton Jubilee Library (Prime Minister’s Better Building Award 2003 and 2005, respectively). RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Awards have been given to libraries such as Alton (Hampshire) and Athlone Civic Centre & Library (Westmeath), described by RIBA as ‘a public building of considerable elegance even grandeur, while also expressing... a real sense of public accessibility and ownership’.8
So, modern library design has arrived. As local authorities rise to the challenge of providing modern, successful and relevant library services, formal and institutionalised design is giving way to a customer-focused, flexible approach suitable to the changing requirements of the 21st century and the unprecedented impact of the People’s Network on library layout, design and use.
Roger McMaster, Head of Service Development for Libraries, Information & Archives for Suffolk County Council, explains:
‘A quality product that respects and inspires people really does work. It makes people feel welcome and respected and allows them to use libraries in the way they want. Safe is all very well but is no longer good enough. Librarians have to have the courage of their convictions. Other professionals, architects and designers, will of course be invaluable, but in the end it is us and our staff that have to live with the finished product and make it work.
I would add that you need to know why you are doing it. Building, or refurbishing, a library is good fun but that’s not much of a reason. Stratford (Newham) and Lowestoft (Suffolk) were conscious attempts to change the image of libraries locally, to encourage more and new use in competition with all the other attractions for people’s time, and to make them the focus of their communities that they should be. I like to think that both projects succeeded. If also they have a wider resonance that is excellent.’
Public Library Building Awards
The search for excellent library design began for me in 2000 when I took over as Chair of the Public Library Building Awards (PLBA). Launched in 1995 by the Public Libraries Group (PLG) of CILIP, these awards recognise the highest level of new and refurbished library development across the UK and Republic of Ireland, seeking out benchmarks of modern public library facilities and indicators of professional library development.
The PBLA go beyond purely architectural considerations, focusing not just on architectural design, but also on practical purpose. Key criteria include:
- inspiring, high-quality design values and style
- durability – robust and practical design that stands up to the many physical demands of a library service
- an integrated, customer-focused service plan
- accessibility
- innovation
- a recognition of, and building on, former success
- ease of maintenance
- sustainability
- evidence of stakeholder consultation
- individuality
- the X factor!
Trends identified by the awards
Between 2000 and 2005 the judging panel visited a wide range of libraries to find its library ‘Oscars’ – large and small, new and refurbished, across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Over these six years we witnessed a sea change in the nature of top library design. The following is an overview of some of the key achievements and trends in this period:
Architecture
High design values, and the courage to use strong architectural statements and strong clean lines, were shown at Waterford (Waterford City) and Gorbals (Glasgow City), for example.
Sensitive, intelligent restoration in keeping with the spirit of original high-quality design was a feature of Swiss Cottage, Camden (Sir Basil Spence’s original 1960s award-winning design) and Garston, Liverpool City (Arts & Crafts movement).
Artistry in design
In Tubbercurry (County Sligo), a community library in a rural setting, high windows have been masterfully placed, using proportion and light to introduce a sense of inspiration and aspiration. It is a multi-functional refurbished building, with library, court and spaces for community agencies.
A key design feature is a beautiful internal wall in the foyer area, made of local limestone embedded with fossils.
Something of the artistry is conveyed by Architect Niall McCullough’s description:
‘…dark limestone paving imprinted with thousands of fossil imprints, stepped like a piece of open ground, folding down in a ramp and continuing at a lower level to the back door. The main entrance space is fixed by light columns, like slender trees supporting the roof plane.’
In addition to fine design, the commitment to community and flexibility is second to none. When the library was opened, staff were ‘lifted off the floor with pride’.
Interior design
The greatest single impact over the six years has been the use of professional interior design, pioneered by projects such as Stratford in 2003. This professional expertise transforms layout, display and colour; from an assumption of ‘any colour as long as it’s magnolia/beige’ to an imaginative range of bold, sassy, or sophisticated colour palettes.
The Best Large Conversion 2003 was Lowestoft Library. Colourful Mondrian-style panels transfigured the stark 1970s’ architecture of this centrally located library. Once inside, the visitor is greeted by a vibrant, colourful library where video projections are used effectively – in the entrance hall and stairwells. Local young people were involved in the planning of a dramatically coloured teen zone, appropriate to its setting.
Roger McMaster again: ‘I have been fortunate to be involved with a number of major capital projects, including those at Stratford and Lowestoft.
‘I like to think that both libraries made innovative use of colour and design to create spaces that people actively want to use and be in. They made new technologies an integral part of what we do rather than some form of add-on. They assumed that library users would value and enjoy an approach that was based on quality and injected detail and humour into their surroundings.
‘We tried to reflect those local communities and their aspirations. So in these particular projects we actively sought to attract and welcome young people by designing elements of the buildings around their needs. This was and is very challenging.’
Striking design and furniture increasingly feature in library buildings: a ‘Game Cube’ IT suite (Gorbals); striking designer seating (Swiss Cottage and Gosport); flexible space planning and cabling designed to be adaptable to multiple use and future requirements, and the integration of public art/’percent for art’ initiatives (Gosport, Tubbercurry).
Retail principles
Library design has borrowed from the retail sector, resulting in:
- the loss of ‘fortress’ counters. New supermarket-type, slimline issue/return desks remove barriers between staff and customers, and are often placed to one side to declare the core offer as ‘stock not counter’. They allow quick transactions for customers on the move (Brighton, Hamilton (South Lanarkshire) Town House)
- a move away from regimented formations of bookcases. The use of more stylish and imaginative display units and bookcases provided a more welcoming and user-friendly experience (Hamilton)
- floorwalkers coming out from behind desks to be more available to the public and to work in more flexible ways (Brighton, Sutton)
- the emergence of café culture and refreshments, with associated furniture.
Increased access
Our definition of access goes beyond DDA compatibility to active policies that promote diversity and genuine equality of opportunity, from physical through to cultural. There was ground -breaking work in Stratford in 2002 in this area.
Both Hamilton Town House, with 17 varying floor levels in three linked buildings, and Gosport, with the challenge of a dated 1960s’ four-storey building, effected wide-ranging accessibility programmes. In addition to a thorough range of standard and non-standard physical measures, the good practice they embody includes specifically designed area lighting and colour schemes to help visually-impaired users, and provision of accessible ACTIVE IT facilities and software. Complementing this, was full community consultation with users and non-users, and marketing and rebranding programmes and a successful exercise to attract non-users. These two libraries were the recipients of the first Mary Finch Awards for Accessibility in 2005 (sponsored by BBC Audio Books).
Partnership
There have been significant library developments in partnership, including PFI projects (Private Finance Initiative). Brighton Jubilee Library and Bournemouth Library are exceptional buildings, made possible only through PFI funding (and the dedication of library staff to take on the involved process).
Similarly it is encouraging to see a public library service incorporated from the early planning stages into a national landmark: Sir Norman Foster’s Sage Centre at Gateshead has a highly positive synergy between the library provision and the building as a whole.
Sustainability
Winner of the Better Public Building Award in 2005, Brighton Jubilee Library scores highly on sustainability. It features low energy consumption, low embodied energy and recycled rainwater. Thermal stability was achieved through heavy concrete mass, and local climatic controls are relied upon to drive passive ventilation.
ICT
The principal innovation in ICT during this period was the roll-out of the People’s Network, which has had an unprecedented impact on library layout and use – and on audiences, not least with traditional users who perceive that books are giving way to ICT. PN layout seems to work best – in terms of user group personal space and management – where it is concentrated in one space, such as at Brighton. Durham Clayport has intelligently-placed, six-sided clusters in a supervised space which works equally well for individual use or group study.
Sutton has led the field in aiming for total self-issue and self-return, embracing RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology and streamlined issuing procedures. Explore Music at the Sage Centre is an example of a developing specialist music service provided through digital resources.
One area which needed improvement in many libraries, however, was the provision of accessible IT kit, which too often was ‘by request’ only, and under lock and key.
Case study: Gosport
Gosport Discovery Centre is a good exemplar. It combines innovative interior design, partnership working, flexible spaces and new ways of working, in an area of urban deprivation.
There are three sites and four floors of books, reference materials, art, local history, museum exhibits, film, music and events – something for all ages and interests. There are special zones for children and young people, as well as comfy seating areas for reading or relaxing. For those who want to study, there are quiet areas, as well as a full range of library services.
Other features include an express lending service, coffee shop, toilets with baby change, internet access and online learning; regular dance, music, theatre and literary events in the performance area; touring art exhibitions in the Gosport Gallery nearby; a beautiful coloured glass entrance by artist Martin Donlin; and a Geostationary Plasma Screen by Turner Prize nominee Stephen Pippin.
There are courses galore, including free online monthly discovery sessions in the learning suite, on anything from antiques to shopping and food. For young people there are youth theatre, contemporary dance and hip hop workshops.
Chris Edwards, Hampshire’s Discovery Centres and Capital Programme Manager, explains the thinking behind the Discovery Centre programme, of which Gosport is the pilot: ‘Public consultations carried out in 2004/05 told us that our current cultural, community and library services needed expanding to become more inclusive, accessible and contain a broader range of services and opportunities.
‘Our Discovery Centre programme is the answer to this, and is designed to create new, inspirational and community-focused buildings. Discovery Centres will be transformational with regard to service delivery and aim to shift the public perception in the use of public buildings. Services will include libraries, museums, community spaces, exhibition areas, ICT facilities, partner services such as Tourist Information Centres, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Youth Services and business partners. The exact composition of each Discovery Centre will be tailored to the local demographics, using the results of locally based consultation.
‘The centres will provide stimulating learning and community facilities, improving the quality of life for all. They will also inspire a sense of place and pride through high-quality and innovative building design.
‘Each centre will be a model of public and voluntary sector partnerships, working alongside organisations such as Youth Services, Community Centres, Police, Tourist Boards and National Skills Agencies. This delivery model broadens the user base and provides a one-stop facility for a number of different services.
‘Each Discovery Centre will involve either the refurbishment of an existing building or development of brownfield sites. This will reduce the impact on green spaces and assist in the regeneration of urban areas. Discovery Centres will create long-term opportunities to improve the quality of life and community safety for all residents. The community will have a say in the management and development of buildings.’
Following the success of the Gosport model, further Discovery Centres are planned for Winchester, Basingstoke and Andover.
Conclusion
Good design should be an integral part of every library development, no matter how modest its scale. There are still lost opportunities, where stunning design is let down by a lack of internal vision, for instance by virtually replicating a 1970s’ layout in a modern building, with no thought given to its effectiveness or to audience perception. If outside you have a new and thrilling building, match the customer experience inside!
The Public Library Building Awards panel has been, however, tremendously impressed by the standard and innovation it found in the winning libraries. We saw striking examples of integrated design, bold and innovative architectural statements, the development of customer-focused retail design principles, ICT innovation, an emerging café culture, and greatly improved access and community consultation. My personal favourites mixed the best of the old with the best of the new, where a commitment to service, excellence and the community shines through.
There are clearly wider issues in library design, such as funding, cost-analysis, change management for staff and keeping the momentum after opening. There is also the broader professional issue of budget restrictions inhibiting refurbishment programmes.
Every development is individual and brings its own challenges and opportunities. But the values of good design, high standards and flexibility are universal. Library redevelopment is also the perfect opportunity to implement new initiatives such as floorwalkers, RFID or integrated stock. Don’t just repeat what you do – aim high and question everything!
Sources of information
If you’re setting out on a new project, it can be difficult to find the information and guidance you need. Cabe produces advice and guides to help those responsible for delivering public buildings and spaces.
Its best practice guide on how to commission a building project, Creating Excellent Buildings,9 is an excellent resource for those about to embark on a construction project – whether beginners or experienced players. The most successful projects have been characterised by a close dialogue and co-operation between architect and interior design and library representatives.
Divided into the four main stages of a building project – preparation, design, construction and use – the guide provides detailed advice, including on how to be an excellent client. Topics covered are;
- establishing the project vision, developing an outline brief and involving stakeholders in the process
- building the in-house client team, establishing roles and responsibilities, and managing the organisational change involved in a building project
- choosing a site or a building
- choosing the procurement route
- selecting the architects and consultant team
- developing the detailed design brief
- the client’s role during the construction process
- preparing to use and launch your new building.
Cabe can also provide an advice service for specific projects on request.
Websites
Better Public Buildings
Designing Libraries
Public Library Building Awards
References
1 The Better Public Building Initiative. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, 2005.
2 Framework for the Future: libraries, learning and information in the next decade. Department for Culture, Media and Sport/Demos, 2003.
3 Disability Discrimination Act. Stationery Office, 1995. Amended in 2005 to the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.
Part M of the Building Regulations 2000. Access to and Use of Buildings. BS8300 - 2001, Design of Buildings and Their Approaches to Meet the Needs of Disabled People (the most authoritative researched text on needs of disabled people).
4 Better Public Libraries. Cabe/Resource, 2003.
5 Ken Worpole. 21st Century Libraries: changing forms, changing futures. Building Futures, 2004.
6 Third Report of Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport. Stationery Office, February 2005.
7 See 4.
8 www.riba.org.uk
9 Creating Excellent Buildings; a guide for clients. Cabe, 2003.
Philippa Harper is Discovery Centres Co-ordinator, Hampshire County Council (philippa.harper@hants.gov.uk).