Modern art donation completes newly refurbished Central Library at Imperial College London

New facilities officially open today after two year renovation project - <em>News release</em>

Imperial College London news release

For immediate release
Thursday 2 October 2008

A major £11 million refurbishment project of Imperial College London’s Central Library has been completed and the new facilities will officially open today, showcasing a significant new art collection.

Over 50 modern abstract canvases have been donated to the Library by Sussex artist Bob Brighton. The large scale works are on display throughout the ground floor of the building.

 

The Central Library has undergone two years of renovation and the ground floor level has been completely transformed to provide a modern, flexible working space for both group and individual study.

It now offers 150 new individual study spaces, 90 new computers, group study areas, a 30 seat training room that supports the library’s delivery of information skills courses for students, and the Library Café.

It also boasts design features including a glass stairway in the main entrance, walnut joinery in the café and semi-transparent think tank areas for group study.

Deborah Shorley, Director of Library Services, is delighted with the new facilities. She said: “We now have a modern twenty first century library to reflect the changing way twenty first century students work. All members of the College community can come to the Library and work independently or in groups with this new versatile space.”

Over 50 canvases have been donated

She adds: “The generous donation of this new art collection firmly places the Library as the cultural hub of the College. Bob Brighton’s vibrant large-scale colourful work adds a contemporary feel to the new facilities. We hope to house further art exhibitions and concerts in the café area of the Library.”

Consultation was a key feature of the refurbishment, with the Library team conducting a student survey to find out about their needs and researching how other libraries have been changing. Angus Brown, Team Leader in the Public Services Team in the Library, said: “Libraries are evolving and the new facilities reflect this. The increasing use of laptops by students and reliance on the internet for example meant that there is an emphasis on both personal use and College PC provision across the floor.”

The large scale artworks are on display throughout the ground floor

The Library will be officially opened by Imperial’s Rector Sir Roy Anderson. He says: “We now have a truly world-class library, in which great thought has been given to the changing needs of the students of today and tomorrow, and which looks as marvellous as it functions.”

“Libraries are in many ways the heart of a university's campus and they are certainly of considerable importance to students. We cannot expect students to flourish on our demanding courses if we do not provide high quality facilities that support their study.”

Future development of the Library will include renovating the other floors, installing cooling systems and introducing 24 hour opening throughout the academic year.

Funding for the refurbishment project was provided by Imperial College, the Wolfson Foundation and the Lisbet Rausing Trust.

-Ends-

Photos of the new facilities and the art works can be downloaded here:

• Artworks 1.JPG
• Artworks 2.JPG
• Artworks 3.JPG

For more information please contact:

Naomi Weston
Imperial College London press office
Tel: +44 (0)20 7594 6704
Out-of-hours duty press office: +44 (0)7803 886248
Email: n.weston@imperial.ac.uk

Notes to Editors:

About Imperial College London

Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 12,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality.

Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

Since its foundation in 1907, Imperial's contributions to society have included the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of research for the benefit of all continues today, with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to improve health in the UK and globally, tackle climate change and develop clean and sustainable sources of energy.

Website: www.imperial.ac.uk