Learning / Bristol
New £80m University of Bristol library to go ahead
Plans to build a new flagship £80 million library for humanities and social sciences have been confirmed by the University of Bristol, after 1,400 staff and students, along with the university’s expert panel, voted on the five top design concepts.
The modern design put forward by British architecture studio Hawkins/Brown, Danish practice Schmidt Hammer Lassen architects and engineers Buro Happold won the proposal to build the state-of-the-art library, “which promises to delight and inspire innovation and discovery” according to Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol.
The library will replace The Hawthorns – a former hotel currently used as student accommodation, catering facilities and offices.
is needed now More than ever
The library will be built on the site of the current Hawthorns building
The £80 million investment has faced controversy following the threat to council-funded libraries in the city, however the university say they are keen to reassure people that this development will create a ‘heart’ to the university for students, staff and members of the public alike.
Morten Schmidt, founding partner of the architecture firm taking on the project, said: “Libraries make a difference in people’s lives. Not only for scholars, researchers and students, but for all citizens. They bring people and communities together – and they release potential.”
The winning concept now requires more detailed development and consultation, with the full public consultation on the more developed design anticipated to begin in spring 2018.
Top image: Urban Sciences Building, Newcastle University – another project by architects Hawkins/Brown
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