On Monday 2nd of July, a new building was opened on Clapham High Street. This building was not only delayed by 10 months but something that the people of Clapham could see building every day. This increased the long awaiting and made it difficult for people; like me with no patience. This long awaited library and flats was well worth the wait as when it was inaugurated it brought the whole community together with its funky architectural design. The adjoined building went on to win many accolades, including a Housing Design Award and a UK Property Award.
The library is smack bang in the middle of Clapham North and Clapham Common which makes it more accessible than the older, now closed library.
Different from any other ordinary library, unlike other typical libraries this one has something very special and modern about it. The inside is designed as a vast spiral which circles the main ground floor and kids area, as you go around you can find all the genres of books separately and cleverly placed. This simple but effective way of displaying the library’s resources makes the whole experience of going to the library unique. To make things much cooler and distinctive in between the in wall shelf are little empty entrances which lead you to study rooms and computer rooms.
In case the new comers get lost or confused by this stylish design, at the front desk holds a basic huge map to help you get around. Not forgetting that the helpful and non-stereotypical staff is there to guide you around and explain to you the order of the books.
Whilst the inside is “stylish and chic” as described by Corinne Hamdi the outside is something else entirely. The word Library is written outside in big letter blocks individually placed apart. Not only is it quite clever each letter is made of broken glass which alters your reflection slightly. For instance The L and B are big enough so that you could casually sit there. Although, that’s not all one side of the 3d shape is covered with different 3d collages that have casual but “beautifully collected random objects all cleverly placed to create a modern piece of art that is definetly worth of praise”. Andrew Logan is the mastermind behind these unique and extraordinary art pieces positioned outside.
