Barbican Library, London

• Competitions

CLTH director Wayne Head completed this exciting competition submission for the Barbican Arts Centre.

The proposal introduces natural light and flexible workspaces to enhance its stunning centrepiece: two triple-height bookcases that face each other across the central hall. Two levels of concrete have been removed to create a dramatic central concourse that gives visitors impressive views of the libraries’ treasures and the building’s pick-hammered columns, while natural light draws the reader away from the central stacks towards the layers of reading rooms and collaborative work areas that sit at the edges of each floor.

Wayne took this opportunity to improve upon the existing design: creating an exciting and welcoming new entrance; extending the library and introducing concealed North facing roof lights within existing flower beds; and opening up sight lines for the readers onto the trees of Golden Lane.