College Library in Cambridge
- Heide Wessely
Observers quickly recognise that the materials selection for the new Magdalene College library establishes a connection to the historical university campus buildings. While the latter employ wood for ceilings and stone for window tracery, Níall McLaughlin Architects create a different blend of these materials for the new library. Window frames and reveals consist of red cedar, which harmonises well with the hand-crafted loam brick from York in northern England. Colours shift from orange-brown to red and purple and define the numerous chimneys that are arranged according to a regular grid. They serve to ventilate the building and support the floor slabs. Each chimney corner reappears in the interior as an angular column clad in brick. Book shelves, built-in closets and desks made of oak are integrated between them, as well as shafts for building utilities. The interweaved brick surfaces and wood elements establish a subtle, fabric-like texture. The floor plans are equally reminiscent of a woven tartan pattern. Squares with sides measuring 4.70 m for the reading areas are bordered by a network of 1.30 m wide passageways. The three-storey entrance hall is situated in such a square. A single-flight staircase connects it to the central reading room on the first floor. Administrative offices, a picture gallery illuminated by windows flush with floors and offering views of the garden, as well as an archive with valuable items such as old books are located on the ground floor. The building features very deep interiors due to its width of at least 20 m. It was therefore important to introduce daylight also from the top of the building. Roof lanterns were arranged between each set of four chimneys and comprise twointersecting pitched roofs. The fixed glazing on the gable ends provides soft illumination and offers protection from direct sunlight and glare.
