Southmere Village Library in Thamesmead Competition Design 2017, Bexley Architecture Contest
Southmere Village Library Building Design by RRA
Thamesmead Architecture Contest Shortlisted Entry by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, Oslo
2 Dec 2017
RIBA Southmere Village Library in Thamesmead Competition Entry by RRA
Design: Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, Norway
Thamesmead Architecture Contest run by Peabody / The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Southmere Village Library Design by RRA
How can the Southmere Village Library offer a new state-of-the-art library and create a new focal point that meets the high ambitions of the Thamesmead redevelopment?
Southmere Village Library in Thamesmead Design
When considering the context of the proposed new library, one becomes fascinated by the great impact this place has had on the imagination of Londoners, and its influence in England’s greatest contribution to human culture – its literature. This hinterland, where Southeast London meets the marshes of Kent, and the River Thames meets the open seas under a vale of mist, has inspired some of the nation’s greatest artworks – the Thames Estuary is both a gateway to the world as captured by Turner and Canaletto, and a place of eerie mystery for HG Wells and famously where Charles Dickens’ Magwitch is imagined coming ashore.
The opportunity to create a new library in this setting that is already blessed with such a rich literary heritage is a great one. Indeed, the challenge is to create a civic asset that can also capture something of this character, and stimulate the imagination of a new generation of Thamesmead residents.
Similarly, we are fascinated by this area’s history as the Plumstead Marshes and its connection to the Greenwich Royal Naval College and the ancient shipping lanes of the Thames and London’s boat building. This great maritime tradition of the United Kingdom has enriched its storytelling culture with tales from across the world, and made London the most global of cities.
RRA propose a library that embraces and celebrates its waterside site. In a very London manner, as with the old brick factories of East London and the palaces of the upper Thames, we introduce the line of the water to the threshold of the building. By doing so we create an intimacy with the water’s surfaces, allowing for the enjoyment of a book to be accompanied by the trickle of water and the reflection of its ripples in the library’s interior. We create a physical intimacy with the waterways of London, capturing something of their ability to inspire the imagination of its citizens and connect them with the world beyond.
Southmere Village Library Design – Building Information
Type: Cultural
Location: London, United Kingdom
Program: Library
Client: Peabody
Size: Medium
Commission type: Invited competition
Design Team: Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
Picture Credits: Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, Places Studio
Building design images © RRA
Reiulf Ramstad architect:
photo © Marte Garmann
Southmere Village Library Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter Design
From the jury’s notification letter about Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter proposal:
“A strong, formal, stepped plan of equal ‘strips’ of building that expanded from the singular main entrance hall to a deeper plan at the water’s edge. The stepped plan sought to maximise the footprint between the two squares, avoiding the culvert and allowing for an uninterrupted natural line-of-sight to extend from the civic square entrance, through the building across the lake beyond. Whilst the first floor simply repeated the ground plan, open light wells between the floors allowed the architectural experience of each ‘strip’ to be exploited by the continuous open pitched-roof ceilings.
The discipline thus created was carried through to the external treatment to create a rigorous building form. Back of house functions were located on the south side of the building so that public facing activities could exploit framed views to the north. The line of water was brought to the threshold of the building in a series of shallow mirror pools that would engender the feeling of a library in a lake as well providing a defensive edge for the glazing. The children’s library area was located in a single storey extension at the south-eastern end of the building with a roof terrace above screened to protect views towards Staplehurst Court.
The quiet, comprehensive and excellent presentation by Scott Doig described the practice’s intention to combine their respect for the spirit of the Southmere Masterplan with the rich cultural history of London’s waterside developments. This built upon an excellent written submission. The elegant plans that were naturally flexible, clear and easily manageable, were complimented with a vision of finishes, both internal and external, that were identified as potential sources for artistic involvement.
In doing so, the team had sought to activate the robust exterior with warm, homely interiors and the ‘factory of ideas’ was reflected in the building’s distinctive double-height saw-tooth room form. The overall appearance of the substantial brick building was described as a ‘family of parts’ that would be designed to ‘contribute’ to the square. Sustainability and community consultation aspects were well addressed, delivering a strong start to an interesting proposal.”
12 Aug 2017
Southmere Village Library in Thamesmead Shortlist
RIBA Southmere Village Library in Thamesmead Competition Shortlist
Shortlist announced for the RIBA Competition to design the new Southmere Library, the focal building within the ongoing regeneration of London’s Thamesmead.
The international architectural contest for Thamesmead Library attracted entries from 58 design teams.
The new £4.5 million civic building, will sit within a masterplan by architects Proctor & Matthews and Mecanoo.
The shortlist:
– Adam Khan Architects
– Architecture 00 Ltd / Studio Weave
– Bisset Adams Ltd
– Keith Williams Architects
– Reiulf Ramstad, Norway
RIBA Southmere Village Library in Thamesmead Competition Design information received 010217 from RRA
Southmere Village Library in Thamesmead Competition
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