Library entrance
CD wall
Behind the CD wall
Front of the library
Sheet music storage by Ecospace
Study areas
Description
Description
In 2017, Leeds College of Music (LCoM) completed work on its flagship Library, transforming a long unoccupied space into a purpose-designed facility which provides an exceptional learning and study environment for the conservatoire’s students and the Leeds City Region.
Situated in a narrow, curved building, the library provides a range of library services for music students. After entering through the entrance pod you turn left to access the CDs and DVDs in the ‘A-side’. Turning right into the ‘B-side’ you will find collections of books, musical scores and LPs, many of which were not visible in their previous home. Upstairs are a range of study spaces, and small rooms for group or silent work, as well as staff accommodation. The natural light coming through the floor-to-ceiling windows makes for a bright and sunny environment. RFID has been installed, OPACs were replaced with iPad Pros, and the number of charging points installed has future-proofed the library for some time.
Awards
Win - Yorkshire Property Industry Awards 2018 ‘Design Excellence Award’ for “new standards in design quality, build-ability, functionality, place, sustainability and aesthetics”
Shortlist – THELMA 2018 ‘Outstanding Estates Strategy’
The Building
The Building
Type of library
Campus/site library
Size
465 m2
Floors
2
Architect
Darntons B3
Building contractor
Triton
The Space
The Space
Features and services
Special services
Audiovisual/multimedia areas, Group study spaces, Specialist subject collections, Meeting rooms, Provision of special materials. Electric piano, Blu-ray / DVD facilities, Listening stations for CDs and LPs
External features
Building wraps around two sides of the bottom of a block of flats, and was intended as a restaurant. This shape presented challenges in the design. It has a fully glazed curved front.
An additional project was carried out to develop the public realm outside the library. A playful grassed public square was created, with new lighting, seating and planting. Also featured are a performance space and a broadcast point for our neighbours, BBC Leeds.
Internal features
The curved shape, while challenging, provides a unique library layout. There many pillars in the structure and these have been hidden into where possible and provide features elsewhere.
Energy efficiency
-
Accessibility provision
Flat entrance and lift between floors
Adjustable height desks
Interior designer
-
Furniture suppliers
Furniture - WeSpace
Shelving – Forster Ecospace
Services and facilities suppliers
LMS: OCLC/OLIB
Discovery: EBSCO
IT provision
RFID, WiFi, charging points, 20 computer terminals.
Seats/study places
89
Stock
45,784