The building provides 13,000 square metres of floor and storage space over six storeys.
The design, by Associated Architects, sets out to showcase low energy design, with a layered façade treatment of gold anodised fins, anodised louvre panels and automatic solar blinds.
The existing library, built in the 1950s, was deemed not fit for refurbishment due to a flawed internal structure. Several existing buildings will be demolished to make weay for the new development and the centre of the campus re-landscaped.
Associated Architects director Warren Jukes said his firm’s design was “a striking modern design that responds sensitively to its site context; a campus of mixed, rich building heritage”.
He added: “We have sought to make sure the design works seamlessly with the evolution of architectural styles on the campus and deliver a building that meets the demands of a 21st century library.”
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