University of Aberdeen Library: A Building with Visual Lightness and Airiness

Known as the 5^th oldest English-language university in the World, the University of Aberdeen owns a new library conveying a visual lightness and airiness in the design. Responsible for the design is no other than Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects that finished the construction in 2012. The new library itself is located in Aberdeen, UK, and designed on a 15,500 m2 area.

The New Library

Served a community of 14,000 students, the University of Aberdeen Library consist of 1,200 reading spaces along with archives, historical collections, and a rare-book reading room. When it comes to the design, the architectural firm went with a large rectangular volume in a form of a 10-story tower. This design makes the building stand out in the Aberdeen skyscape.

Meanwhile, the combination of visual lightness and airiness can be seen through its proportionality, clean lines, and materials palette, creating a timeless appeal for the building.

Continuous Visual Connection

The library offers a continuous visual connection thanks to the large organic opening that cuts through the floors at each level across the full height of the building

The Climate Buffer Facade

The climate buffer façade is used and can be changed in line with the specific qualities of light or projected images. The façade itself consists of an irregular pattern of high-performance glazing and insulated panels. These materials allow the façade to shimmer during the day and glowing during the night, offering a softly luminous landmark for Aberdeen.

A Cube Set Display

A cube set in a double-height space is used to showcase rare books on the ground floor.

The set is also functioned as a reading space for the university’s special collection library.

Via SHL