w1one Architecture: Canada Water Library

Libraries play an essential role in our daily lives, in a world of "have and have nots" libraries are somewhat of a balancing tool(on a large scale) clearing boundaries and paving the way for a fairer future for all, primarily a place where people can learn, work and gain jobs but libraries also have a secondary purpose which we are now starting to see more of, they are seen as our acting local community hubs(yes as cliché as the term may seem to some, it is a HUB) . I have looked at several libraries which will all feature on this blog at a later date.

Canada Water Library opened it's doors to the public in November of 2011, located in Canada Water, South East London at 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR, the library played an additional role of spearheading the regeneration of the area. "Once a bustling port" for ships from Canada the area again is now a busy and dynamic place to go. The new public plaza is conveniently located next to the tube station

Designed by Piers Gough of Campbell, Zogolovitch, Wilkinson and Gough (CZWG) Architects, the form of the library resembles that of an upside down pyramid. At four storeys high the upper floors expand out which contribute to interior shading of the building. The library includes a number of simple but effective sustainability initiatives such as solar water heating(water tanks are located in the basement of the building), ground source heat pumps, a green intensive sedum roof(containing up to 600 species) and grey water harvesting(waste water e.g from wash hand basins) contributing to total renewable energy and creating small sizeable eco cycle...no Cambridge degree there huh.

The exterior of the building is enveloped with an anodised sequined perforated aluminium sheets, which increases corrosion resistance against the forces of nature, noting that the building is situated next to a stretch of open water(Canada Water Basin). Double floor height extruded windows drape the down the building on the north and west side while on the South and East the fenestration approach is to avoid direct sunlight by the use of smaller windows which are seemingly shaded by the buildings form.

"Check mate", chess players are given a space on the ground floor demonstrating the community and multiple use of the library. At the epicentre of the building a circular stairwell cladded with timber slates lead to the upper floors that hold the main library, skylights encouraging natural lighting are dotted across the ceiling. A small but cosy cafe on the ground floor encourages people to enter the library and enjoy its facilities(why o why is it SO difficult for individuals to grasp the nuance effects of good design - a degree question I suppose or perhaps the equation to a hydraulic pull down staircase).
An auditorium also located on the ground floor spills out in to the civic plaza via huge red fire brigade "like" doors. "The plaza was also designed to provide space for a farmers market, large TV screenings, festivals, and a host of other events and activities to make this library a truly multi-purpose space"

Northern view of the public plaza and south west view of the library

Rows of skylights let daylight illuminate the zigzagging bookshelves and the central staircase. the use of oak is see throughout the library and gives visitors a pleasant experience of the library