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 main volume (old Gymnasium Hall) houses the new library as well as a mezzanine for a computer lab and reading nooks that make use of the generous semi-circle windows that overlook the surrounding luscious gardens. The museum now takes up the original store/change area. The rear blank facade was to be opened with a large glazed facade and doorway, with stairs being introduced to link the library itself with an open plaza that would be the library garden.
-"The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
