Canterbury Christ Church University identified a need to re-develop their library and a Learning Centre in Canterbury and a Working Party was put in place to address this. Having carefully considered the nature of learning and teaching undertaken at Canterbury Christ Church University and its future requirements, The Learning Centre Working Party Report concluded that the development of a technology rich learning centre and library was a key objective which linked to one of the University’s strategic priorities “to create a learning environment in which all students are challenged, supported and able to achieve their individual goals”.
Augustine House is the new Library and Student Services Centre, providing state of the art IT facilities, creative learning spaces and access to student services, all under one roof. It offers students exciting spaces to learn, work and socialise.
The building itself is striking – the vibrant design incorporates floor to ceiling glass windows at the front of the building, reflecting the city walls opposite. Glass is used extensively inside the building, allowing light to filter throughout. A glass roofed central area forms the social heart of the building and a roof terrace on the top floor provides spectacular view out over the city walls.
Facilities are set over 4 storeys which make the most of approximately 12,000 square metres of floor space.
The solution
Bruynzeel was chosen to provide the shelving requirements for this impressive building. Approximately 3,000 linear metres of low level Static Shade S9000 Shelving with Jacob Jensen designed end panels was specially chosen to ensure the library and learning areas were flooded with natural light. The shelving is cleverly interspersed with brightly covered seating and IT study desks on all floors. As part of the design process, Bruynzeel suggested special black steel tops with a bevelled edge to the bays to match the interior décor.
In planning the shelving for the new Library at Augustine House we were acutely aware of the need to maintain the flexible use of study space; to maintain the open feel to the whole building design; and to develop a shelving system that met the current needs of the University’s library collection now and into the future as well as being visually impressive. The combination of static and mobile shelving from Bruynzeel ensured that both of these design objectives were achieved. The high quality finish of the shelving units has added to the look and feel of the library spaces, whilst the simplicity of operating the mobile units has resulted in positive feedback from staff and students.”
“We have achieved a shelving layout appropriate to our needs now, but the flexibility of the mobile system will allow further expansion in years to come, without compromising the initial interior design of the library space. Bruynzeel has worked closely with the Project team for the new development, including the architects and library managers, to ensure the construction of the mobile shelving fitted into the building construction, and that the shelving system is fit for purpose.”
Peter Ryan – Head of Library Services
