ADP was appointed as architect and lead consultant to develop the design of the
new undergraduate library at the University of Leeds. The new £28m library is to
house predominantly undergraduate library facilities, currently located in the
Edward Boyle Library on the main campus. We were also asked to assist in the
wider future strategy and business case for the university’s libraries as a
whole. ADP’s new undergraduate library is designed to provide 1000
reader seats, flexible training rooms, a skills zone, community classrooms and
café, plus flexible space for 6800 linear metres of book stock. The
design creates a highly sustainable landmark building that provides an IT-rich
and flexible facility. This is expected to improve the current student
experience, and exceed new student expectations on an important site for both
the university and the city of Leeds. The library will be positioned within a
Conservation Area, surrounded by listed buildings and will be the first
city-fronting building the university has commissioned for over 30 years.
The design approach has been to create a building that accommodates the
undergraduate library in one distinct volume that has an atrium as a social
‘heart ‘space. The entrance and social learning spaces spill into this atrium.
On the upper floors, the group study spaces are located directly off the atrium,
providing critical spaces for the development of a ‘knowledge share’ culture.
Quieter book stock and study areas are located on the upper floors, affording
dramatic views towards the campus and the city.
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