Studying in style

Chatting on their mobiles, typing away on their laptops and sipping their lattes: this is a snapshot of modern students at work.

Two years ago, the Central Library embarked on a major refurbishment programme to revolutionise its building. The aim was to create a large, relaxed work space for students to use, whether they were working in groups or individually.

Following intense work during holidays to minimise disruption to students, and College investment of £11 million, the Library is now open and buzzing with activity. Before the work began, Library staff conducted a survey asking students how they like to work, to find out more about their study patterns.

“This was vital in our planning for the refurbishment programme,” explains Angus Brown, Team Leader in the Public Services team and member of the Library Design Team. “We received about 600 responses, which was great, and we found out that students wanted a comfortable area which was relaxed and suitable for both group and quiet study.”

In response to the survey results the Library refurbishment has created a flexible learning space, extended IT access with the installation of 90 new computers, and incorporated a social interaction space. With wireless internet access throughout, power blocks have also been installed on many of the desks to accommodate the increasing number of students who bring laptops into the Library.

“Even on the first afternoon when the new facilities were open, students were studying in there as if they had been there forever—it was great to see. I think it speaks highly of the design and the inspiring space created,” says Deborah Shorley, Director of Library Services.

The facilities

Among the new facilities offered within the new-look ground floor are the Wolfson IT Learning Suite, which was funded by the Wolfson Foundation, a charitable organisation that awards grants to support excellence in the fields of science, medicine, health, education, the arts and humanities.

Supporting the Library’s delivery of information skills teaching, there is also a 30 seat training room and groups are welcome to use ‘think tank’ areas, equipped with a shared PC and large-screen monitor. Trudy Breuss led the project over the two year period. She says: “This was a fantastic project to be involved in. The greatest challenge was probably maintaining normal library services in a quiet study environment whilst being surrounded by a building site! It says a great deal about both the quality of the projectwe managed to achieve this. I think the end result speaks for itself. It is a vibrant, popular study space that everyone involved in the project is very proud of.”

As well as the new working spaces, the Library also features a ‘Learning Café’ on the ground floor. “We wanted the café to be similar in quality to the existing SCR and be a place for all members of the College community to gather. It looks out onto the Queen’s Lawn and we wanted it to take full advantage of the campus views,” explains Angus Brown.

The style

Adding to the modern feel of the floor, paintings by the artist Bob Brighton are on display throughout. Over 50  canvases have been donated by the abstract artist giving the Library a contemporary atmosphere. “It gives the new space that extra edge,” comments Angus. Contributing to this look, the architects, A-EM, have created a number of bespoke features giving the Library a modern twist. Design features to look out for include the glass stairway in the main entrance, the walnut joinery in the café and the semi-transparent think tanks.

Libraries are evolving and the Imperial team is keen to keep making changes and listening to students’ needs. “Before the refurbishment we visited other libraries to see what was being changed in the sector. We looked at other facilities to see what worked and what didn’t. We are still doing this and intend to carry on making changes,” explained Angus.

Moreover, aspirations for the future include developing the other floors, installing cooling systems and introducing  24-hour opening throughout the academic year.

The programme

The first phase of the refurbishment programme started in July 2006 and involved work on the ventilation systems of the upper levels of the Library, which is ongoing. Phase two consisted of housing new ventilation units for levels one and three. In phase three the glass-fronted extension to the existing walkway looking out onto the Queen’s Lawn was built and the whole of the ground floor was completely redeveloped. Over the duration of the two years of renovation work many Library staff had to move offices and there was a temporary entrance to the building. “Staff definitely rose to the challenge—no-one complained, and the students also just got on with it. They were all very polite and respected that the changes were going on,” says Angus.

The Library staff hope that the new look will attract a variety of people to use its facilities—students and academic staff, but also non-academic staff, who are welcome to take advantage of the space.

Deborah concludes: “The new facilities provide a central learning space for everyone. Imperial students deserve the best and this has set a benchmark for the College. It’s great seeing it all come together and it’s a very exciting time for us!”

To see a video tour of the new library visit www.imperial.ac.uk/news/libraryart.