Introduction
"Rick Mather Architects impressed us with their understanding of the needs and workings of a college, and their ability to solve problems on awkward historical sites elegantly and practically. They produce building which are beautiful, function superbly and are brilliantly engineered. The new Library in Christ's will give us a vibrant collegiate space and will be the centre of learning and life in College."
Gavin Alexander, Fellow Librarian
Christ's College Cambridge
Rick Mather Architects have been commissioned by Christ's College Cambridge to design a new college library. One of Cambridge's oldest colleges, the brief calls for the creation of an inspiring new library which will serve the whole College community, allowing connections to the historic First Court and the existing 1897 Bodley Library.
The design for Christ's College Cambridge creates a glass covered court between the South Range and the Bodley Library to create a new study centre and library at the heart of the College. For the first time this will give the library a clear presence on the College's imposing First Court. The new four storey plus basement library proposes 200 reader spaces, four supervision rooms, a rare book reading room, manuscript store, 1875m of open access shelving, 625m of closed access shelving and doubles the amount of existing staff accommodation.
The College's desire to place the New Library at the heart of its academic community has led to the choice of this central site over others. Its position will allow the library to have a First Court presence along with other key College functions such as the Chapel and Hall. The college brief highlights the need for library accommodation, but also the addition for a space where students can meet for informal study. It will also allow a direct connection with the Old Library designed by Bodley in 1895. Additional benefits are that disabled access to Charles Darwin's room and the Fellow's Parlour via a new bridge.
Client
Christ's College Cambridge
Location
Cambridge, UK
Size
1400m² New build / 520m² Existing building
Cambridge Architecture
College Libraries
Spring/Summer 11