Library in Birmingham
- Emilia Margaretha
The campaign "Global city with a local heart" aims to give Birmingham, England's second-largest city, a new image by 2026. The completion of the new library building is a key milestone in this endeavor. Prominently located on Centenary Square in the city centre, the building, designed by the Dutch architectural firm mecanoo, fills the gap between the Birmingham Repertory Theatre from the 1970s and Baskerville House from the 1930s. Just a few metres away stands the old central library, built in 1974, which is slated for demolition as part of the redevelopment of the Paradise Circus area. Externally, the new building consists of three staggered, stacked cubes in gold and black. The striking facade cladding, made of interlocking aluminium rings of varying sizes, is intended as a nod to the city's industrial past and its jewelry-making tradition. The interplay of light and shadow, created by the changing weather and time of day, lends the reading rooms a unique atmosphere. On their way to the main entrance, visitors cross the plaza in front of the building, which features a large circular courtyard. Accessible from the library's basement, this "amphitheater" provides a space for concerts and readings. The open stage is designed to draw the attention of passersby to the diverse interior.
