DIGITAL & STRATEGIC
UX DESIGN PRACTICE
STRATEGIC DESIGN
A new vision for the central library in Sheffield
Providing meaningful library services and architectural solutions through public engagement.
The Central Library in Sheffield currently operates out of a building from 1934, of about 8000m2. Whilst being a fine example of an early 20th century architecture, the building’s spatial qualities does not fulfil the open, diverse, highly active and flexible requirements of a contemporary library. The library is in an urgent need for a physical upgrade as it is currently holding back the library team in delivering the best possible service to the local community. Therefore, Sheffield City Council commissioned Digital Studio in exploring and proposing architectural solutions that reflect the needs and ambitions of today’s and tomorrow’s library staff and visitors.
Date
Location
Digital Studio developed three concept design studies showcasing how both stakeholder insights and a participatory approach can be translated into meaningful architectural solutions. The three concepts address the different spatial requirements and needs identified during the user research and relate uniquely to Sheffield’s context and culture. In addition, Digital Studio undertook different benchmark activities and calculated ballpark projections for each of the conceptSimultaneously, Digital Studio designed a participation strategy including a tool kit which enables the City Council to carry on with engaging the communities in the decision-making process about the design, programme, and operation of library in the future.
“It has certainly been refreshing for us [to work with Arup] and great to hear the complimentary comments about our library service and people. I like Arup’s approach and prioritising participation as the method by which we build the need.”
NICK PARTRIDGE,
SERVICE MANAGER,
LIBRARY ARCHIVES AND INFORMATION SERVICES
Arup Digital Studio was invited to help the Sheffield City Council identify the holistic opportunities and benefits of a new Central Library in the city centre, through preliminary concept designs and stakeholder conversations. The initiative aimed to position the new library as an open door to the city, and a true catalyst for the city region. The multifaceted role of the library was established in the very early stages of the project, and mapped against the Council’s other civic services to identify generative overlaps. The participation strategy built on these findings, and crystallised in two types of co-creation games to be facilitated with the public. It was tested with internal stakeholders throughout the process, to assess its ability to spark conversations and align expectations.
