GIFA AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE -
2013 KING EDWARD VII LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
THE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM - CONCEPT
The exquisite Edwardian gymnasium as a double volume space provided the perfect opportunity for a library facility. The concept was to create a spine through the building and thus visually and physically link the street entry to the sports fields beyond and somehow connect both sides of the building to the daily activities of the school and the boys.
The interior to house the Library in the Gymnasium Hall and the Museum and Ablution facilities in the store/change area. The rear blank facade was to be opened into a large glazed facade with doorway, and stairs were introduced to link the Library itself with an open plaza and library garden.
The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
