New Library at the University of Bedfordshire

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow

NEW LIBRARY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE

MCW Architects

ARCHITECTS
MCW Architects

LOCATION
Luton, United Kingdom

CATEGORY
Library, University

AREA
6950

YEAR
2016

MANUFACTURERS
Gustafs, cove.tool, Bruynzeel Storage Systems, Okalux, Planet Partitioning, Schüco, Thorp Precast -

PLANNING CONSULTANT
Fisher German

CIVIL
Aecom

CONTRACTOR
Willmott Dixon Construction

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Aecom

CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
AECOM

CLIENT
University of Bedfordshire

MEP ENGINEERS
AECOM

PROJECT MANAGER
AECOM

The new library for the University of Bedfordshire is a vital step in the on-going regeneration of their town centre campus in Luton.

The provision of this 6,950m2 building minimises the impact of future phases of redevelopment on the student experience through the relocation of this core activity into a brand-new facility, located at a focal point between academic space and new residential accommodation.

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson

The University has consulted widely with the students and looked at comparable recent new library schemes both in the UK and worldwide.

The building reflects the University’s aspiration for an efficient, serious and scholarly place that supports and enables improvements in academic and institutional performance.

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson

The vision for the scheme was to create a facility that:
Enhances the reputation of the University of Bedfordshire
Is adaptable to changing learning and teaching patterns

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson

Provides an excellent environment for students and staff
Is inclusive and welcoming to all
Is comfortable and easy to use

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow

The site is challenging because of the available ‘footprint’, resulting in a relatively tall building at nine floors.

Taking this aspect as an opportunity, silent study spaces on each of the upper floors make a ‘study wall’ with excellent views and daylight whilst fulfilling the increasing demand by students for more silent working space.

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson

The increased scale of this site had been established with the Local Authority through the Development Framework that the University had previously agreed.

The University were keen to create a strong civic gesture. MCW worked closely with Thorp Precast to develop a simple, robust language of precast concrete cladding.

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow


Long span coffered slabs generate large areas of column free space at each floor. A double height entrance space addresses the street-scape and contains a suspended mezzanine level where students can meet with the academic support team.

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson

The project was delivered within the original project budget allocation and opened to students ahead of the academic year 2016/17. The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent.

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson

The scheme plays a vital role in how the University can more effectively engage with the local community and town-centre.

The ground floor café and information access area is fully glazed offering a welcoming, publicly accessible environment.

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Jim Stephenson
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow

“MCW have been extremely effective at working closely with the University as a true partner. They have been and will continue to be instrumental in advising, supporting and actively making our campus redevelopment the success that it is.

Their ability to provide considered strategic thinking as well as take a lead role in the design and delivery of emerging projects is a valuable offer.” — Ash Carline - Head of Major Projects University of Bedfordshire

New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
© Hufton+Crow


New Library at the University of Bedfordshire

Lower Ground floor plan
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
Ground floor plan
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
First floor plan
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
Second floor plan
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
Third floor plan
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
Fourth floor plan
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire


Fifth floor plan
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire


Sixth floor plan
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
Mezzaninne floor plan


New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
Section BB
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
Section DD
New Library at the University of Bedfordshire
Programs