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Kings College London, Franklin Wilkins Building Library

Lambeth

Project Details

£2m to £2.99M

Practice

Wilson Mason LLP

12 Albemarle way Clerkenwell , London , Greater London , EC1V 4JB , United Kingdom

The University's objectives were to modernise and refurbish this existing Library to improve access, make it fit for purpose, flexible and adaptable for evolving use and to create a visually stunning environment with memorable "wow" factor. The requirement was to provide spaces that are conducive to study, appealing, attractive and welcoming, whilst ensuring that each space has clarity of purpose for users, utilising a colour coded zoning system to help emphasise this. Transparency of space and clear functional identity was achieved by maximising the extent of glazing, and circulation simplified by relocating the entrance, reconfiguring existing stacks and rationalising support space configurations. The new main entrance was created with improved disabled access, new enquiries desks for the Library and student support services and seating/ study spaces provided for 550 students over two floors. Accommodation comprises re-configured stacks for 3,200 linear metres of book storage, open and enclosed study areas with varying levels of acoustic separation, dedicated meeting “Pods”, a graduate study room, a variety of meeting and training rooms and several accessible “assistive technology rooms” for wheelchair users, with space for a support worker and trainer. Support areas included a reprographics room, staff offices, staff meeting room and lounge, self-check and OPACS facilities.