Education Development in Edinburgh

19 Jan 2010 University of Edinburgh Library and Learning Resource Centre PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED FOR AUSTIN-SMITH LORD'S NEW LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE AT UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH A new 21st century library and learning hub for the for the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh's King's Buildings campus has been given a planning green light to proceed. The new facility will provide a state of the art integrated library and learning hub which will offer a unique mix of attractive, flexible and stimulating study environments. The exciting proposals and resulting design concept by architects Austin-Smith:Lord will create a new social, learning and administrative focal point for the school. Learning, studying, discussing and interacting will take place in a lively, diverse and integrated centre. Austin-Smith:Lord has developed a design which provides a two-storey 'Podium Hub' on the lower levels with a cafe and meeting area for discussion and debate, and, on the higher levels, a quieter and acoustically separated series of focussed study spaces. There also exists an opportunity to create an outdoor study environment in the shape of a dedicated roof terrace area. The shared vision of both the University and the architects is to create an exemplary building with a design informed and inspired by the best contemporary educational facilities. The centre is on target to achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating, reflecting the University's high standards and aspirations for sustainable design.