Thames Valley University Library

The Slough campus is one of three that Thames Valley University occupy, and sadly, it is scheduled to close in 2010. There is a masterplan for redeveloping the site, which includes a library, but it is unclear if this means a new building - or re-using this one. The programme is very simple. A three-storey, exposed concrete block houses the book stacks, whilst the reading room is housed in a lightweight, graceful arched structure, attached to the side. A mezzanine floor in the reading room increases useable floor space. The ends of the room are glazed allowing views through. A strip of glazing in the roof adjacent to the book stacks fills the room with natural light, whilst another, at low level, allows views out to the side over the ornamental pond. Originally open to the reading room, the book stack area has now been closed in. The quality of detailing (as one would expect from RSH+P) is superb - See it before it's too late!