London School of Economics Library, London



Architect
Foster + Partners
Date Built
Opened 2001
Location
Portugal Street
Description
In the 1960s the London School of Economics acquired a building on Portugal Street that had been home to W. H. Smith.  They remodeled that building to accommodate their library and renamed it the Lionel Robbins Building. 













In 1999 Foster + Partners were commissioned to redevelop the building again.  As the LSE's website explains that this, "... featured the main atrium being driven through to the basement, housing a helical ramp and a pair of glass lifts. ....


... A dome caps the atrium, cut at an angle to admit northern light, allowing maximum daylight penetration without problems of glare and solar gain. The refurbishment also added an extra 500 student workplaces, and new accommodation for the school’s Research Centres.
"



Foster's website adds that, "Daylight is drawn in via a glazed dome, which caps the atrium. The dome is cut at an angle corresponding to the path of the mid-summer sun and the cutaway section is glazed to allow maximum daylight penetration without problems of glare and solar gain. The dome also assists natural ventilation: air drawn in through windows at the perimeter, rises naturally as it warms and escapes through vents in the domes glazing.  Book-shelves radiate from the atrium to create clearly defined passageways, ...



... and quiet study areas are positioned at the 
perimeter of each floor.



... A new fifth floor accommodates the Research Centre, which has its own entrance.”



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