AMA helped to transform the 1970s John Harvard Library, creating a welcoming, safe and accessible environment popular with users and staff alike.
The brief for the redesign evolved collaboratively, through stakeholder engagement including open workshops with the public. More light and space were introduced by opening up undercroft spaces, removing many of the suspended ceilings, and by installing large, full height windows.
At the launch of the library, then Culture minister Margaret Hodge described the facilities as a “stunning exemplar of the sort of practice we would like to see mirrored right across the country of a very welcoming environment, fantastic layout, good facilities for children and great facilities for people to learn.”
The new library has increased visitor numbers. Rated highly in the post occupancy evaluation feedback were the welcoming new entrance, increased amount of daylight, comfortable seating and accessible shelving. This project was featured in Green Sky Thinking Week 2012 an initiative to educate the construction industry and the public about sustainable solutions.
