NTU Architecture Subject Group

Oxford Street Library, Swansea

Oxford Street Library is a public, council-owned library located within the heart of Swansea city centre. The design concept for this project was creating a library that is people-centred, not collection-centred. The typology will be focused on the community rather than the collections it holds.

The aim of this project is to introduce library and other facilitates back into the city centre of Swansea, thus providing the much needed footfall that Swansea city centre needs. The library will provide active ground floor uses including a Mini-Market and Bistro which is used in collaboration with the opposite grand theatre. The upper levels of the library will contain a magnitude of different functions from private spaces, collaboration spaces and external green areas. Making this building a space that anybody in the community can utilise to its full potential.

Gareth Thomas
Student name
Gareth Thomas
Course
Architectural Technology
Contact
LinkedIn
@gareth-thomas12
Active Use GF - Mini-Market

Active Use GF - Mini-Market

Oxford Street Library, Swansea

The project is located within the United Kingdom and in the country of Wales, more specifically Swansea city centre. This proposal is to be part of the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay city deal which aims to boost Swansea city’s economy. The proposal will be a primarily a public library with active ground floor uses and facilities. The library includes both smart technologies and multi-functional spaces with the library being centred and focused on the community’s health and wellbeing. Supporting and providing a welcoming space for all religions, ethnicity, and sexuality’s The proposal includes active ground floor uses which will attract footfall and support local independent businesses in the area. There is inclusive access for the entirety of the community. Not only is there level access for the community but also to ability to use all the facilities located within the library. The typology of the building is to be people centred not collection centred. This typology is trying to redefine the use of a library, rather than just focusing on having a large collection, the building focuses on the community and people who use the building, whilst still providing key amenities and facilities. The are areas of the building that bring new digital technologies to the library, providing users with digital facilities and methods of learning and interacting with the building. Providing the less privileged residence around the proposed site opportunity to use and develop their digital skills is an important aspect of bringing the community together. Reduction in carbon through the choice of materials, embodied carbon and life cycle of the building the reduction in carbon has been at the forefront of design. The proposal will also try and strive for Outstanding BREEAM. This pushing for a more sustainable building which benefits all users of the building but also Swansea city centre. Being a catalyst for becoming of sustainability in Swansea.

Architectural Technology

The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology course is a professionally-focused gateway to a career in the architecture industry. Students explore how buildings are created, procured, constructed and managed, and develop a practical and imaginative approach to design through a project-based learning experience.

As specialists in architectural technology, our graduates are the link between concept and reality; learning to identify, assess and challenge client and user requirements, translating ideas and possibilities into effective, practical and sustainable building solutions.

Read more about the Architectural Technology course

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