Aberdeen Uni Library

University of Aberdeen New Library / schmidt hammer lassen architects

University of Aberdeen New Library / schmidt hammer lassen architects, Courtesy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects Courtesy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

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From the architect. On September 24th 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain marks the official opening of the University of Aberdeen New Library in Scotland. The building, won in an architectural competition in 2005 by schmidt hammer lassen architects, is replacing the University’s former library from 1965 – the Queen Mother Library.

Courtesy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

The 15, 500 m² new library, which provides a 21st century learning and research environment for students, university staff, visitors and the public, is a positive example of how architecture can make a difference. Since the building was put into service in September 2011, the statistics have shown a significant increase in the use of the library, and more than 700, 000 visitors have entered the building this first year of operation.

Courtesy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

“The University of Aberdeen New Library functions as a meeting place and a cultural centre for the students of the University as well as the Aberdeen community. The façade of the building shimmers during the day and glows softly at night, creating a luminous landmark – a beacon – for the city of Aberdeen, ” said Morten Schmidt, Founding Partner of schmidt hammer lassen architects, and he continued: “The increase in visitors shows that the new library has affected the students’ everyday behaviour. The students come to study in the new library and to be a part of the social community of the University.”

The requirements in the competition brief were to create a magnificent academic library for science and research, which would at the same time be a meeting place engaging the local community.