The internationally renowned architectural firm, Herzog & de Meuron, has been selected from a strong field as the lead architects to help Cambridge University Library (UL) prepare its long-term spatial plans for the UL site.
Leading a team of wider experts including heritage consultants Purcell as well as landscape architects J & L Gibbons, Herzog & de Meuron will help the University of Cambridge, as part of its Reshaping our Estate programme, to produce a Site Spatial Framework to how Cambridge can make best use of the University Library building and site, and how such changes might be phased and funded over time.
As well as the iconic University Library, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott in 1934, Herzog & de Meuron led previous work to transform Gilbert Scott’s Bankside Power Station into Tate Modern, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary of opening to the public.
Cambridge University Librarian Dr Jess Gardner said: “Herzog & de Meuron are a world-renowned firm who have already met and engaged with many teams and individuals around the University Library as part of their early fact-finding work and will hear from many others including current students and academics during the process.
“We’re thrilled to be working with them and our other partners as we look to make our wonderful, iconic building truly fit for purpose in the 21st century. We aim to do that by creating an accessible, inclusive, operationally and environmentally sustainable – as well as welcoming – library building that meets the needs of its collections and all its users, today as well as in the future.”