BFI REUBEN LIBRARY
A contemporary twist on the traditional palette of library materials for a renowned cultural institution underneath the Grade II* Listed Waterloo Bridge
FOR BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE
In order to expand and make publicly accessible its National Library, the British Film Institute commissioned us to convert a 180m2 gallery space within its Southbank headquarters underneath the Grade II* listed Waterloo Bridge. Our brief was to create a well-loved and well-used library, including both casual seating and quiet study for a variety of users.
Our response creates a mixed-use informal area and a zone for more contemplative study, while allowing clear sightlines for the librarians. We manage acoustic separation with beautiful bronze mesh curtains, and oak bookcases arranged around the perimeter of the space control reverberation times and safeguard sight-lines for the librarians.
CLEAR SIGHTLINES AND CALM STUDY
To maximise the librarians’ views of the space, all the bookcases were arranged around the perimeter, with the librarians’ desk as at the centre. Bronze mesh curtains help create a considered acoustic environment which was crucial, particularly considering the library’s diverse uses, and the sometimes noisy foyer outside.
In creating distinct spaces, we had to carefully control the acoustics, blocking noise from social seating areas within the library and from the atrium outside.
TRADITIONAL MATERIALS REINTERPRETED
Traditional materials associated with libraries – bronze, oak and leather, were used inside the library, but in new ways. The rows of bronze mesh curtains form a datum above the study and research zones, to give a semse pf emcloser for concentration.
The oak shelving and furniture brings a calmness to the space, contrasting with the steel and glass foyer. Soft furnishings in shades of red enliven the mixed use informal area.
“It was my homage to Alvaro Aalto’s Viipuri Library.”
– Phil Coffey, director of Coffey Architects
THE FOURTH WALL
The screen between the lobby and the library is perceived as the ‘Fourth Wall’ — the theatrical term for the imaginary ‘wall’ between actors on stage and the audience.
LOCATION
Southbank, London
SIZE
1,937 sqft
STATUS
Completed in 2013
CLIENT
British Film Institute
AWARDS
/ AJ Retrofit Award, Cultural & Public Buildings - shortlisted