The National Library of Wales
Aberystwyth
The National Library of Wales is a unique destination and research resource of Welsh history, culture, education and legacy. It is for all communities and celebrates Wales’s place in the world.
The collections of the Library, whether displayed, stored or in the knowledge base of staff, volunteers and supporters is of such importance to the national identity that they are placed central to all design proposals.
Our response was driven by the inextricable link between the Welsh people and nature. The very word Cymru represents both place and people and many place names in Wales are compound nouns describing aspects of the land.
The landscape brief was to improve the visitors’ journey and experience of the Library - “to welcome everybody”. This was driven by overarching aspirations intended to celebrate what is special, the ability to increase user numbers, broaden the audience and raise profile.
Colour reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of the existing external environment, proposed potential solutions and evaluated these in terms of benefits and cost. An overarching site masterplan was developed for future-proofing. This ensures that all interventions coordinate and can be undertaken when they best suit the Library.
Solutions were organised into 4 character areas which covered :
Arrival and welcome emphasising pedestrian and vehicle gateways
Sensory gardens including the panoramic view due west to Aberystwyth Castle and Cardigan Bay beyond
A natural play area inspired by Welsh religion and myth
Wider parkland with walks and spaces celebrating the cultural riches of the library
Proposals were developed that would be practical and achievable as briefed with potential interventions that range from easy wins that could be independently implemented in the very near future through to larger scale strategic improvements which would require longer term planning.
Creating a library outdoors
“Home is where the books are”
- Richard Burton
