The University of Aberdeen’s Sir Duncan Rice Library has been shortlisted for an award at the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2013.
The award, which comes on the back of schmidt hammer lassen architects’ recent Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award for the library, sees the building shortlisted in the Civic and Community category.
At a total project cost of £57million the striking Sir Duncan Rice Library provides an advanced learning environment in which the latest learning technology adds value to a magnificent collection of over one million books, archives and manuscripts. In addition, adaptable spaces provide flexibility for individual study, group working, seminars, meetings and public events.
Conceived as a cube evoking the ice and light of the north, the library has a sharp, modern design, and a striking interior of sweeping contours around an asymmetrical atrium which rises diagonally from the ground floor through seven floors above, giving spectacular views of the Granite City and the North Sea.
Chris Banks, University Librarian and Director of Library, Special Collections and Museums, added: “The library has been a huge draw for researchers, students, staff and members of the public since its doors opened in 2011.
“It is wonderful to work in such a state of the art building and it is fantastic that the facility has been shortlisted for a World Architecture Festival 2013 award.”
The award-winners will be announced at the World Architecture Festival at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore 2-4 October 2013. The World Architecture Festival is the world's largest global architectural awards programme with more than 700 entries from 59 countries.