Scheme to be second major restoration of space following AHMM work in early 2000s
Allies and Morrison have submitted plans to refurbish the Barbican’s library as part of the wider restoration of the grade II-listed arts centre.
The practice said its proposals will honour the “bold vision” for the public lending library conceived by the estate’s architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon.
The scheme will be the library’s second major refurbishment since it opened in 1982 following AHMM’s early 2000s removal of two staircases and separation of the space from the adjacent art gallery.
The library today retains more of its original fixtures and fittings than any other part of the Barbican, being the only place in the arts centre which has kept its original interior lights and furniture.
However, some of this furniture is now deemed outdated and will be removed under Allies and Morrison’s plans, including the large reading desks and climbable furniture in the children’s area, which is considered a health and safety risk.
More recent additions which have cluttered the space and original fittings that no longer have a purpose will also be removed to clear up space for the library’s expanded inventory.
New carpet, exhibition fittings, a new enquiries desk and power sources for laptops and phones will be added, alongside a new joinery wall in the foyer aiming to provide a “warmer” welcome to visitors.
Allies and Morrison is working with Asif Khan on the wider £240m refurbishment of the deteriorating Barbican estate, unveiled in February last year.
The scheme will include a complete renovation of the centre, with plans by Asif Khan for the conservatory to see the removal of all existing plants and the replacement of the structure’s glazing. The conservatory’s famous terrapins will also be rehomed.
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