Albert Sloman Library, University of Essex
Essex
2010
Patel Taylor
An important new statement entrance for the University of Essex is created with a student centre, lakeside square and extension to the Albert Sloman library. Together they provide an integrated learning centre, library, reading room, student media centre, one-stop-shop for student facilities and board room.
Awards:
RIBA National Award 2016
RIBA Regional Building of the Year Award, 2016
RIBA Regional Award, 2016
Architizer A+ Award, 2016
Schueco Excellence Award Overall Winner 2016
Schueco Education Award 2016
The new building is a series of floors, terraces and roof plates with large overhangs, with the entrance canopy overhang extending to almost 12 metres.
The elongated western facade keeps the eyeline along the continuous eaves and would betray any imperfection in the casting, considerable research went into avoiding any hint of sag. The large scissor stair with full depth sides is beautifully made.
