The new library is to be built between the refurbished Moor Street Station and the Millennium Point and will become, along with the latter, the focal point of the new cultural area of Birmingham. “A great opportunity to create an innovative new building for the city” is how Rogers described the project, which exploits the concave side of the huge 300m oval to create a winter garden with areas for study and contemplation, whilst around the perimeter is a public walkway where cafés can be set up. The main criteria in the design of the building were flexibility and transparency, creating maximum ease of consultation combined with strong visibility. The books and material for viewing will be organised at the centre of the building whilst the areas dedicated to cultural initiatives will be located around the edge, allowing for views onto the street and park. Alongside the library will be a service building designed to created shade and acoustic protection from the nearby railway. A circular “satellite” building to the library which will house a conference area and auditorium.
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