Shortlisted #StirlingPrize2014
Centenary Square, the largest public square in the heart of Birmingham, currently lacks cohesion or a clear identity or atmosphere.
Mecanoo’s design transforms the square into one with three distinct realms: monumental, cultural and entertainment.
These palazzos form an urban narrative of important periods in the history of the city; The Repertory Theatre (REP), a 1960s concrete building, the Library of Birmingham, designed in 2009 and Baskerville House, a listed sandstone building designed in 1936.
The busiest pedestrian route in the city, what Mecanoo calls the red line, leads pedestrians into Centenary Square.
The cantilever of the library is not only a large canopy that provides shelter at the common entrance of the Library of Birmingham and the REP, but additionally forms a grand city balcony with views of the events and happenings on the square.
The Library of Birmingham is a transparent glass building. Its delicate filigree skin is inspired by the artisan tradition of this once industrial city.
Elevators and escalators dynamically placed in the heart of the library forms connections between the eight circular spaces within the building.
These rotundas play an important role not only in the routing through the library but also provide natural light and ventilation.
The rooftop rotunda houses the Shakespeare Memorial Room, designed in 1882. This Victorian reading room is lined with wood from the first Birmingham Central Library. Its prominent position as a rooftop aerie makes this delicate room visible from the square. The REP with its unique and beautiful auditorium will be renovated.
New workshops, staff accommodations and a shared theatre and foyer space will be created for both the REP and the library.
The Library of Birmingham is a BREEAM excellent rated building and incorporates grey water systems and ground source heat pumps. Although the Library is a transparent building, it maintains energy efficiency through the buffering capacity of the building mass and the atria.
