Bill Bryson Library, Durham University - Cundall · Bill Bryson Library, Durham University Durham, UK. Cundall ight The internal spaces are divided by their function and the lighting
The redevelopment of the university’s main library was part of
the major redevelopment of Durham University’s Stockton Road
Campus. The project involved the demolition of the existing
library’s east wing, to allow for the new extension, and partial
refurbishment of the existing library. The project was split into
three phases to allow the library to remain open, minimising
disruption to students. Within Durham there exists a light and dark
lighting strategy for the City. The intention is to ensure each
building is lit appropriately and each lit building contributes to
the overall night time scene. The prominence of the library being
behind the cathedral means that the external lighting was very
functional and the façade was not to be illuminated such that it
dominated the view of the cathedral. The lighting design therefore
focused on the internal spaces.
Bill Bryson Library, Durham UniversityDurham, UK
Cundall Light4
The internal spaces are divided by their function and the
lighting design respects the individual areas and the tasks being
undertaken in those areas. The four storey atria housed a series of
touchdown spaces and an open plan group workshop space. Around the
perimeter coffee house style seating was provided. The atria has
been lit in a very formal and uniform manner where the touch down
spaces and learning spaces exist, then in a very informal and
relaxed manner in the casual seating / reading areas. The overall
effect is one where the architecture and detail of the space
dominates.
The stacking areas were provided with a linear solution to match
the function of the spaces. The book spines being well illuminated
to allow the user to find the information required. At the end of
each stacking area are a cluster of touch down spaces and again a
linear solution was adopted to light these space but this time the
lighting was mounted vertically to tie in with the wall panelling
system and visually delineate that you had arrived at a touchdown
space. Indeed all touchdown spaces had a ‘take’ on the vertical
lighting solution.
