Designed by Mecanoo, the Library of Birmingham is an incredible centre for learning, information and culture. Estimated to have cost £188.8 million, it had a grand opening on 3rd September 2013.
It houses a children’s library, study centre, music library, community health centre, archives, and Shakespeare memorial room. As well as this, there are plenty of cafes, roof terraces and exhibition halls. Having all of this in one public space gives people of all ages and backgrounds a place to learn and socialise.
The building, although seemingly made up of rectangular sections from the outside, houses a series of astonishing rotundas. These circular rooms are joined dynamically by lifts, escalators and travelators. It creates an amazing sense of space that connects the eight circular spaces in the heart of the library.
We can take inspiration from the utilisation of curves within the building. They allow for plenty of natural light and ventilation as it almost engulfs the rooms. Instead of all straight lines, you can gain a lot of natural flow from curves within your home. It creates unity between rooms and between the outside and inside also.
If you’re looking for a way to soften aspects of your home, this can be a fantastic means of doing so. It adds a modern touch to today’s four walls.
Furthermore, the Library uses a mixture of natural stone and white ceramic flooring that – paired with the rotundas – allow light to bounce off of and project. It casts shadows from the strategically crafted outer walls and makes the place seem open and welcoming.
These material selections are carefully thought out, and can be another way of injecting light to your home. Working with natural materials and textures will feel like you’re bringing more of the outside in.
Lastly, within the golden rooftop is the original Shakespeare Memorial Room. First built in 1882, it holds the building’s historic past and is still full of character and the style of the 1800’s. From this, we can take the idea of restoring historic buildings.
For example, England is well known for its collection of Victorian and Tudor houses. Within them, we often find structural similarities that can be key in dating them back to certain eras. Elements like wooden beams and decorative pieces can be nicely restored and built around to keep the original charm of the house – much like that of the Memorial Room in the Library.
