Inspiring Public Spaces

1
Inspiring Public Spaces

• The 2007 Public Library Buildings Awards UK
  Republic of Ireland
• PLA conference, 10 October, 2007

2
The Awards

• The Awards recognise achievement in the period 1
  January 2005 31 March 2007
• 33 libraries entered
• 16 libraries longlisted
• 8 libraries shortlisted
• The Sponsors
• 3M
• DEMCO Interiors
• BBC

3
Judging

• Key changes and innovations
• Authorities proud of building(s)
• Relationship between design team, library staff
  and the public service
• Impact on the public, staff and services
• Functionality and delivery

4
Judging Panel

• Norma McDermott
• Adrienne Adair
• Angie Weatherhead
• Julie Griffiths
• Sean Phillips
• Stephen Hetherington
• Peter Maxwell
• Jo McCausland

5
Categories

• Architecture Meets Practicality
• Heart of the Community
• Interior Design
• Partnership
• Special Awards
• Mary Finch Accessibility Award
• Delegates Choice

6
Longlisted libraries

• Felixstowe, Suffolk
• Cavan
• Prestonpans, East Lothian
• The Mitchell, Glasgow
• Handsworth, Birmingham
• North City, Manchester
• Tory Top, Cork City
• East City Library, Openshaw

7
Longlisted libraries

• Bishopstown, Cork City
• The Hook Library, Kingston-Upon Thames
• Lewes, East Sussex
• Library at the Bridge, Glasgow
• Thurles, Co. Tipperary
• Kilburn, Camden
• Barry, The Vale of Glamorgan
• Sighthill, Edinburgh

8
What do the buildings offer?

• Concept
• Design
• Detail
• Public library

9
Inspiring Space

• Contemporary feel
• Function and form
• Balance
• Delivery of content
• Bringing the outside in
• Patterns of use

10
Solutions

• Connected services
• Clear library zones
• Uniting the outside with the inside
• Controlled use of colour and features

11
Welcome

• Libraries enabling people
• Landing pad - assessing possibilities
• Choosing their way
• Exciting Layout and follow through
• Valuing children and young people
• Grown up environments
• Reflecting the new library offer

12
Trends

• Personalised services
• Integration and connected approach
• Culture, information, learning and leisure
• Café, wifi, theatre bar, swimming pool linkages
• Library staff developing skills to maximise the
  opportunities the building lends

13
Setting a tone

• Creating relaxing and reflective internal and
  external arrangements
• Light and impact
• Small zones
• Details
• Originality
• Vitality v Reflection

14
User Impact

• Use of furniture
• Curved/staggered shelving
• Quick getaway
• Chill-out zones
• Traditional areas
• Multimedia material
• Wifi

15
Tone

• Signage/guiding for intercultural usage
• Inclusive message
• Safe place to stay - a cool place to hang out
  for teenagers
• Relevant services/furniture/civic atmosphere,
  etc.
• Libraries and your aspirations
• Flexible connected/separate patterns

16
Inclusive environments

• Designed for all
• Access for all
• DDA/Barcelona Declaration
• Inclusive not obvious
• An equal welcome

17
Value for money

• High quality design
• Mix of design led and standard
• Smart retail feel alongside traditional
• Innovative twists hot desking/small pods/use of
  glass to hide clutter behind issue desk or
  self-service points

18
Durability

• Ease of Maintenance Natural Stone, Wood,
  Industrial Materials
• Green/sustainable focus
• Spacious layout

19
Community engagement

• Relaxing space to be, to do
• A representative, local civic space
• Dedicated spaces for activities/age groups
• Future proofing flexibility, sliding
  soundproofed screens, open/ modular spaces
• Smaller service points throughout
• Justifying the expanded space

20
Sustainability

• Materials
• Elements of construction
• Sustainability
• Innovative materials

21
X Factor

• Wow a great library WHY?...a surprise
• Atmosphere
• Attention to detail
• Quality public space/connecting people
• Flow to a destination.
• A library worthy of the public
• Heightened experience

22
8 shortlisted libraries

• Johnston Central Library and Farnham Centre,
  Cavan Cavan Co Council
• Prestonpans Library East Lothian - East
  Lothian Library Services
• The Mitchell Library, Glasgow Glasgow City
  Council
• Handsworth Library, Birmingham Birmingham City
  Council

23
8 shortlisted libraries

• Lewes Library and Information Centre, Lewes
  East Sussex County Council
• Library at the Bridge, Glasgow Glasgow City
  Council
• Thurles Library, Thurles County Tipperary Joint
  Libraries Committee
• The Hook Library and The Hook Centre, Kingston
  upon Thames

24
Awards presentation

• Awards presentation will take place this evening
  before the awards dinner