BFI REUBEN LIBRARY

A contemporary twist on the traditional palette of library materials for a renowned cultural institution underneath the Grade II* Listed Waterloo Bridge

FOR BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE

In order to expand and make publicly accessible its National Library, the British Film Institute commissioned us to convert a 180m2 gallery space within its Southbank headquarters underneath the Grade II* listed Waterloo Bridge. Our brief was to create a well-loved and well-used library, including both casual seating and quiet study for a variety of users.

Our response creates a mixed-use informal area and a zone for more contemplative study, while allowing clear sightlines for the librarians. We manage acoustic separation with beautiful bronze mesh curtains, and oak bookcases arranged around the perimeter of the space control reverberation times and safeguard sight-lines for the librarians.

Interior view of a modern building with a decorative perforated metal ceiling, circular recessed lighting, and wood paneling on the ceiling.
An empty library study area with tables, red chairs, and white desk lamps. Bookshelves filled with books line the back wall, and a person is standing on the right side reading a book.

CLEAR SIGHTLINES AND CALM STUDY

To maximise the librarians’ views of the space, all the bookcases were arranged around the perimeter, with the librarians’ desk as at the centre. Bronze mesh curtains help create a considered acoustic environment which was crucial, particularly considering the library’s diverse uses, and the sometimes noisy foyer outside.

An exploded view of a library or bookstore, showing layered shelves, a reading area, and entrance doors, all in black-and-white perspective.

In creating distinct spaces, we had to carefully control the acoustics, blocking noise from social seating areas within the library and from the atrium outside.

Interior of a modern library with wooden shelves filled with colorful books, people working at desks with reading lamps, and a woman walking down a aisle.
A modern library with wooden bookshelves filled with colorful books, red chairs, and round wooden tables. There are computer stations with black chairs arranged in front of the bookshelves. The ceiling has a glossy wood finish with small recessed lights, and a projector is mounted on the ceiling.
People working in a library with computer stations and colorful bookshelves.
A woman sitting on a red ottoman reading a book in a library with wooden bookshelves filled with colorful books. There are three additional red ottomans and a wooden desk with red chairs and lamps. The ceiling is made of wood with a textured pattern, and the floor is carpeted in gray.

TRADITIONAL MATERIALS REINTERPRETED

Traditional materials associated with libraries – bronze, oak and leather, were used inside the library, but in new ways. The rows of bronze mesh curtains form a datum above the study and research zones, to give a semse pf emcloser for concentration.

The oak shelving and furniture brings a calmness to the space, contrasting with the steel and glass foyer. Soft furnishings in shades of red enliven the mixed use informal area.

Close-up of layered brown fabric with small recessed ceiling lights reflecting off the surface.

“It was my homage to Alvaro Aalto’s Viipuri Library.”

– Phil Coffey, director of Coffey Architects

A modern library interior with wooden bookshelves filled with books, red chairs, and desks with white desk lamps, with several people browsing the books.
Inside a modern building with a large banner advertising a Batman movie event from July 1-22, and a library or bookstore area called 'The Blue Room' with red chairs, bookshelves, and people walking, including a woman with children.

THE FOURTH WALL

The screen between the lobby and the library is perceived as the ‘Fourth Wall’ — the theatrical term for the imaginary ‘wall’ between actors on stage and the audience.

View inside a modern library with wooden shelves filled with books, a person seated at a table, and red chairs, seen through a glass window framed by concrete walls.
Front view of a modern bookstore or library with large glass doors, wooden bookshelves filled with books, and red chairs inside. There are people sitting and working, and a man in red pants walking out. A logo on the wall reads 'BFU Film Forever'.
A modern library interior with rows of red chairs and wooden desks equipped with white lamps, facing floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with books. A woman is walking down the aisle, and a man is reading at the counter.

LOCATION

Southbank, London

SIZE

1,937 sqft

STATUS

Completed in 2013

CLIENT

British Film Institute

AWARDS

/ AJ Retrofit Award, Cultural & Public Buildings - shortlisted