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Talks and Poster Presentations (without Proceedings-Entry):

Will Alsop, J. Störmer:
"Peckham Library";
Poster: Peckham Library - London, 122 Peckham Hill Street (invited); 08-09-2005.



English abstract:
Concept:
"...Alsopsī first major building in London, Peckham Library brings together a number of themes and ideas which have long preoccupied the practice. Most obviously, there is the conviction that the public domain is enriched by strong form and vivid colour. Traditionally, a library is conceived as a "serious" building, but for Alsops seriousness of purpose does not preclude either high style or wit. The practice habitually elevates its buildings above ground level, so that users connect with shy and views and the building itself, whatever its function, gains in presence. A by-product of this strategy is that the buildings gain a "sixth façade" - an underbelly which can form the cover for a public space at ground level. Peckham Library is supported on concrete-filled steel columns, angles to form an irregular arcade which encloses a covered space, an extension of the new square. External claddings are chosen for durability and for their expressive textures and colours - pre-patinated copper and steel mesh contracts with coloured glass (used on the north façade). The library itself is a fourth floor level, the short arm of an inverted "L", with offices, meeting rooms and other ancillary facilities on the lower floors.

The library hall can be compared to a magical attic space, overlooking London and connecting Peckham to the seats of power and wealth in Westminster, the City and Docklands. To the north the space is fully glazed: the view is total, but transfigured by the use of coloured glass. The aim was to achieve not a uniformly daylit environment, but a distinct contracts of shade and light. The three timber-framed, plywood-clad, pods which sit within this space contain a meeting room, a childrenīs activity centre and an Afro-Caribbean study centre, places which can be quiet or noisy according to the mood of their users, since they are insulated from the activity around them..." A+S

Created from the Publication Database of the Vienna University of Technology.