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Public Library, St Andrews


Collection: School of Architecture Collection
Object Type: Architectural Project Work
Artist/Maker: Cameron, Alexander
Place Made: United Kingdom: Aberdeenshire, Robert Gordon's Technical College School of Architecture
Date: 2011
Media/Materials: DVD
Awards: RGU Architecture Purchase Award

Description:

Refurbishment of existing Public Library & new archive extension, St Andrews
Underlying the decisions that have been made in my approach to the concept of a public library, is my intention to maintain and heighten the integrity of the St Andrews Public Library as a civic building. The library is to increase it's catalogue with a recently acquired collection of specialist books of local significance which require to be housed in a new archive extension.
Following the acquisition of these historic texts, the library's collection may develop to become largely informed by the Scottish nature of this new collection. The progression into a centre for Scottish literature is also apparent, which would be likely to further increase St Andrews popularity with visitors. As a centre of Scottish literature, the library will require sufficient space and rooms to accommodate events, such as readings by authors or poets.
The development of the public library centred around re-organising the site so that the library and associated accommodation could fully benefit from aspects of the surrounding context that are best suited to the rooms that they have the potential to have a connection with...CONTINUES ON DISC

Project 2 - Mixed use design scheme comprising sheltered housing apartments & retail premises, Aberdeen
The nature of sheltered housing varies form secluded retirement type homes positioned in open green space, to more centralised apartment blocks in city and suburban areas. The proposed site falls into the latter of these general categories. As such, the proposed mixed use design scheme seeks to address the adjacent established thoroughfare of Rosemount Place, which offers a range of amenities. The proposed accommodation of sheltered housing apartments and a collection of retail premises, aims to maintain the established urban use pattern that has become intrinsic to the area.
The proposed site in Aberdeen is on the periphery of the city's centre. The site is at a point where the mixed use granite tenements which dominate the city centre's built fabric terminate, and are then followed by the wholly residential terraces of a smaller scale. Owing to this apparent differentiation of urban use, the site assumes a transitional nature...2011 Degree Show Purchase Prize DVD with 4 digital files showing architectural drawings, on documenr with commentary and on scanned copy of our letter.


Project 1 - Refurbishment of existing Public Library & new archive extension, St Andrews

Underlying the decisions that have been made in my approach to the concept of a public library, is my intention to maintain and heighten the integrity of the St Andrews Public Library as a civic building. The library is to increase it's catalogue with a recently acquired collection of specialist books of local significance which require to be housed in a new archive extension.

Following the acquisition of these historic texts, the library's collection may develop to become largely informed by the Scottish nature of this new collection. The progression into a centre for Scottish literature is also apparent, which would be likely to further increase St Andrews popularity with visitors. As a centre of Scottish literature, the library will require sufficient space and rooms to accommodate events, such as readings by authors or poets.

The development of the public library centred around re-organising the site so that the library and associated accommodation could fully benefit from aspects of the surrounding context that are best suited to the rooms that they have the potential to have a connection with.

Due to the established plaza like nature of Church Square as a regularly used public space, the proposed design places the cafe accommodation facing onto the square. The cafe and library facilities share a common link which is strengthened by a visual relationship as one enters the main library through the existing doorway. The cafe also can display books of general interest from the main library collection.

In the development of the project, the possible need arose for a room which could be used by authors and poets to give readings. This became a space that forms an intermediary between the cafe and library, and one that has a strong visual connection with both facilities.

The sequential layout that has been adopted for the library and archive is derived from the organisational function of these rooms. This arrangement is employed in many libraries of a classical style. For a long and narrow room the vista created on entrance provides perpendicular directional changes, as seen in the arrangement of doors enfilade, and may create intrigue on the part of the viewer.

The division of the main library and archive into partially contained sections heightens the protective nature of the archive and aids visitors of the library to find a particular book, assuming particular genres were to be placed together.

The solidity of the construction as the design developed, provided recesses in which to place the shelving. As a result the books will appear to rest within the depth and perceived security of the walls.
Object Number: ABDRG2011.36

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