BDP - General - Bournemouth Central Library
Date: 01 Jul 2002
Bournemouth Central Library, designed by BDP, was officially opened today 28 June 2002 by the Right Honourable Baroness Blackstone, Minister of State for the Arts.
The Minister described the library as the best she had seen and she went on to say “it should be treated as a role model for new libraries all over the country.“
The library is one of the Treasury’s model ‘pathfinder’ projects, financed under the Private Finance Initiative.
The new building is a key part of the regeneration of the Triangle area of Bournemouth and, since its recent public opening, visitor numbers have dramatically exceeded forecast predictions.
Project Director Chris Harding described the design goal as “the creation of an open and accessible building which encourages passers-by to drop in and in which all members of the community will feel welcome.”
He said “No longer simply a place to borrow books, modern libraries are a place to meet friends, to hold community meetings; for quiet study; a lively children’s library; an information point to find out about the area or look up theatre listings; a gallery and access for everyone to the latest information technology facilities.”
The building is mixed use, and includes some shopping space, with the Library arranged on two open plan levels forming a horseshoe overlooking the foyer café. The interior creates a sense of informality and allows visitors to move between activities without becoming lost or disorientated. An information island is placed centrally, and is directly accessible from all parts of the building.
The fully glazed north facing elevation opens up the library interior to the street allowing views into the main library spaces. The main circulation routes rise up behind this elevation providing a direct connection between the street and the library thus inviting the public in.
The main entrance of the library opens into the triple height foyer space presenting the visitor with the main stair and the open lift. The upper floors are reached via the gently curving stair which rises to the main library podium giving direct views to the street and the Town Hall.
The library information and issue desk is situated at the top of the main stair. All the main lending functions including the children’s library are located on this floor. The stair continues to the first floor Exhibition island and the horseshoe mezzanine floor containing the reference and music libraries, local history section, gallery and the main staff offices.
BDP is also responsible for the urban design framework for the new Central Brighton Library currently being designed by Bennetts Associates
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