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University of Aberdeen New Library
Author: Caroline Ednie
Project: University of Aberdeen New Library
Architect: schmidt hammer lassen architects
Location: Aberdeen
Client: University of Aberdeen
Completed: September 2011
Area: 15,500 m²
Construction sum: € 40 million excl. VAT
Competition: 2005, 1st prize in restricted international competition
Engineer: Arup & Partners Ltd
Quantity Surveyors: Davis Langdon LLP
Landscape Architect: schmidt hammer lassen architects
Links: http://shl.dk/
A major new building for Aberdeen has opened its doors to the public for the first time this month (September 2011).
The new University of Aberdeen Library, by Danish architects schmidt hammer lassen, was designed to provide a 21st century learning and research environment for students, university staff, visitors and the public.
Conceived as a cube evoking the ice and light of the north, the new library is arranged over eight levels, around an asymmetrical atrium offering spectacular views over the city of Aberdeen and across the North Sea.
In addition to housing a collection of over one million books, the new library also provides an advanced learning environment by means of a series of flexible spaces offering various opportunities for individual study, group-working, seminars and meetings.
Construction by main contractor Pihl UK began in September 2009 and was completed this summer. The £57million project is the largest capital fundraising project yet undertaken by the University, receiving support from alumni and private donors around the world, from companies in many sectors of business, and from charitable trusts local and national.
Design
Established in 1495 the University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest English-language university in the world. The new library serves a community of 14,000 students. The 15,500 square metres of floor-space accommodates 1,200 reading spaces alongside archives, historical collections and a rare books reading room.
A new public square is an integral part of the design, linking the University and the city and forming the west end of an east-west axis across the University campus. The Academic Square aims to generate a sense of cohesion between the University and the surrounding community.
The library is positioned on a base of Scottish stone, and it is designed to be welcoming. The ground floor with lounge and café areas will host regular exhibitions, seminars and poetry readings. The atrium’s vast spiralling volume connects all eight storeys, and with its sweeping contours and organic form, this space contrasts with the clean cut exterior profile.
The building is designed to minimise long term running costs and energy use. All working environments are generously day-lit. Through the use of high performance glazing, the amount of solar gain and heat loss is kept to a minimum. The ratio of glass to solid panel on the internal elevations is approximately 50 percent and this irregular pattern of insulated panels and high performance glazing creates the effect of a shimmering façade during the day and a soft glow at night, creating a luminous landmark for Aberdeen.
The new Library is designed to be both a meeting place and a cultural centre for the University and the wider Aberdeen community.
Sustainability
In terms of sustainability, photovoltaic cells are located on the roof to supplement the building’s electricity requirements. A water recycling system is utilised to collect and store rainfall from the roof - the rain water is then recycled for use in lavatories.
A green displacement ventilation system has been utilised to save energy. The system supplies air at 18-19° C, thereby obviating the need for mechanical cooling for a significant period of the year. System pressure drops are much lower than in conventional fan coil unit systems, and this permits the use of far smaller fans to circulate air through the system. Temperature stratification allows for the conditioning of the occupied zone only, and in this way energy is not wasted in conditioning the unoccupied zone directly beneath the ceiling.
The university's traffic strategy also emphasises sustainability, encouraging the use of sustainable transport systems such as cycling and buses rather than cars. Facilities such as showers for staff cycling to work have been provided in the new building
The project has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating.
South Elevation 
West Elevation 
Ground Floor Plan
Level Two
Level Six
Section
Section
Site Plan
All Drawings courtesy of © schmidt hammer lassen architects
Photographs provided by the University of Aberdeen