OVERVIEW
Opened on 3rd of September 2013, the Library of Birmingham
offers world class facilities and resources to transform lives
through learning, knowledge and culture, providing an exciting
and inspiring visitor experience for all.
Designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo, the £186m building,
was a key part of Birmingham’s “big city” regeneration plan.
The new building is situated in the cultural heart of the city,
comprising of performance spaces, rooftop terraces and a
large glass-topped central book rotunda that rises through
the middle of the building, echoing the traditional great round
reading room of the British Museum. It shares an entrance
way and performance studio with the neighbouring Repertory
Theatre, whilst the Symphony Hall and the National Indoor
Arena are situated nearby.
The intricate steel lattice work that covers the outside of
the building represents both the city’s industrial past and
its heritage in jewellery making. It reflects and dissects the
daylight to create ever-changing shadows on the library’s walls
and floors. The golden rotunda at the top of the building sits
the Shakespeare memorial room, housing the original carved
wood panels from the memorial room at the city’s demolished
Victorian Library.
Allgood supplied a full Alite package that included door
furniture, signage and mechanical door hardware, while
Allgood Trio supplied electronic locks and key switches. Due
to the specific requirements of the design of some of the
doors, Allgood had to supply bespoke products to match the
specification of the project.
On 17 July 2014 the Library of Birmingham was nominated as
one of the six short-listed buildings for the 2014 Stirling Prize,
awarded for excellence in architecture
Alite® Door Lever Handles
Proprietary Single Range Ironmongery
26-31 Charlotte Street
Hodge House
RHS Bridgewater
Spitfire Studios
26-31 Charlotte Street
Hodge House
RHS Bridgewater
Spitfire Studios
Barbara's atelier
BSF concept store
Cambridge Central Mosque
SAS Royal Hotel