Sconul Library Design Award 2002

The SCONUL Library Design Award was instituted in 1973 to draw attention to the importance of new library buildings, to encourage good practice in library planning and design, and to celebrate outstanding examples of cutting-edge design within the sector.

The 2002 Award covers new, extended or refurbished higher education and national library buildings opened between 1996 and 2000, and which are greater than 2,000 square metres in size. It is the only such award in the UK and Ireland to be judged by professional librarians on the basis of functional design of libraries, rather than purely architectural merit.Seventeen libraries were visited for consideration in the Award.

The Award winners are:

• Coventry University for the Frederick Lanchester Building
• Dublin City University for the John and Aileen O'Reilly Library
• University of Hertfordshire for the Hatfield Campus Learning Resources Centre
• Sheffield Hallam University for the Adsetts Centre

Coventry University for the Frederick Lanchester Building

This stunning castle-like building successfully provides an important new focal point on campus for attracting and supporting both students and academic staff. Users enjoy an open, varied and well-planned interior; enhanced by natural light penetrating through the five glazed atria. The innovative natural ventilation system - a revolutionary concept for a deep-plan building of this size - has enabled considerable efficiencies to be made in the use of space and in energy costs. The library symbolises the University’s commitment to enhancing the student experience.

Dublin City University for the John and Aileen O'Reilly Library

This delightful landmark building has delivered the University's vision for its new library. It has facilitated a step change in teaching and learning support within the institution as well as significantly contributing to the regeneration of the north side of the city. The lovely atrium and distinctive domes contribute to a varied, satisfying and high-quality internal environment with well-planned circulation routes. The use of space and the environmental system are both commendably efficient.

University of Hertfordshire for the Hatfield Campus Learning Resources Centre

This pioneering design successfully provides a distinctive new focus on campus and represents outstanding value for money. The new building delivers a visionary concept of the net-enhanced university with integrated learning services and groundbreaking IT services on a large scale. It facilitates excellent interaction between users and services, stimulates innovation in teaching and learning and supports independent learning and a self-help culture.

Sheffield Hallam University for the Adsetts Centre

This striking gulls' wing design has achieved a high degree of integration of learning services consistent with the University's mission. It is an inspired design with high quality fittings, varied learning spaces and excellent IT provision. The flagship building captures the spirit of the University, acting as catalyst for change in teaching and learning provision, and has become a model of seamless provision of learning support services.

Further details about the presentations, and the assessment process can be found at http://www.sconul.ac.uk/publications/newsletter/27/ARTICL27.PDF