 |
|
|
 |
16 Sep 2014
Mecanoo's Library of Birmingham in the UK hits record numbers
BY
Katie Buckley
|
Mecanoo's filigree screen entices visitors into the building while giving a nod to Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter
photo: Mecanoo Architecten
Borrowing and visitor numbers to the UK's new £189m (US$307m, €237m) Library of Birmingham – designed as both a library and a visitor attraction – by Mecanoo Architects, have doubled in comparison to its predecessor, the old Central Library. The Library of Birmingham, which opened on to the public on 3 September 2013, has had more than 2.7 million people visit come through its doors over the last year.
Figures released by Birmingham City Council show that membership numbers have increased at the new library by 140 per cent on last year's figures, totalling more than a quarter of a million individuals.
Dutch-based Mecanoo Architecten designed the 35,000sq m (376,736sq ft) library, which is spread over nine floors and centres on a pivotal atrium at the heart of the building. The design lends itself to being a truly public and civic building, as demonstrated by the high visitor numbers.
The library is arranged counter-intuitively, with the archives on the top floors as opposed to the bottom
The £189m (US$307m, €237m) building offers more than just access to over a million books; there are spaces for music recitals as well as art exhibitions and conference areas. There is also an elevated, landscaped, brown roof garden with a wildflower meadow, offering a place of sanctuary in an urbanised locality.
Brian Gamble, the Library Director, commented that “It is unashamedly a tourist attraction.” This notion is aided by the structure winning the the RIBA West Midlands Regional Award 2014. The Library of Birmingham is also on the shortlist for the 2014 Stirling Prize.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connect with
Leisure Management |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| News headlines |
|
|
|
 |
|
23 Apr 2024
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors today, marking the eco-luxury hotel and spa operator’s entry into Japan and a new addition to its urban collection.
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
23 Apr 2024
With the launch of its 49th John Reed, RSG Group is looking for more opportunities for its high-end brand in the US and Europe. Cosmopolitan cities
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
23 Apr 2024
PureGym saw revenues rise by 15 per cent in 2023, with the company announcing plans to develop 200 new clubs in the next three to four years.
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
23 Apr 2024
The UAE’s first-ever Dior Spa has officially launched at The Lana, Dubai – the Dorchester Collection’s debut property in the Middle East. Bathed in
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
22 Apr 2024
Following three disrupted lockdown years, the European fitness market bounced back in 2023, according to Deloitte and EuropeActive’s hot off the press
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
19 Apr 2024
Norwegian health club operator, Treningshelse Holding, which owns the Aktiv365 and Family Sports Club fitness chains, has acquired fellow Norwegian operator, Aktiv Trening. The
.... more>> |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Company profile |
|
Panatta Srl
Panatta is a historic fitness brand offering one of the widest ranges of products on the market, across all sectors, ages and types of training.
View full profile>> |
|
| Catalogue gallery |
|
|
| Featured Supplier |
|
 |
|
|
|
in this issue
• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| Latest jobs |
 |
Party Leader
Salary: Competitive
Location: Gainsborough
Company: Everyone Active
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Diary dates |
|
| Powered
by leisurediary.com |
 |
|
|
|
|
