School of Pharmacy University of London

Library

The library of the London School of Pharmacy is the only dedicated library of Pharmacy in the UK.

MBA were selected as architects after a limited competition in 2008 to create humane, accessible and inspiring places for study, research and information exchange.

The project involved:

Reorganising the library into zones, acoustically treated to create: entrance and welcome, group study, individual quiet study and book stack areas.
Emphasising natural light and using the height of the existing building enclosure to the full.
Using active acoustics and multiple layers of acoustically absorbent materials at high level to create an artificial sky, so that sound is contained without fully enclosing the quiet spaces.
Introducing new skylights to reduce dependence on artificial light.
Purpose-designed furniture including the entrance workstations, reception desks, study carrells and acoustic screens to provide areas for group study.

MBA have now completed four projects for the School of Pharmacy, a new computer centre, a cycle store next to the Coram Foundation, and offices for the dean and COO, within their site at Brunswick Square.

Contractor: Parkeray Ltd
Project management: Davis Langdon
Services engineers: Thornley and Lumb
Structural engineers: Scott Wilson.

image of the ceiling of the school of pharmacy library showing acoustic panels