The new central library Birmingham
- Thread starter Trekker
- Start date
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Deleted member 313
Guest
Have to say it does look a bit odd from the pics I've seen. Elegant, sleek, noble, welcoming... these are not words I could use to describe it. Poor old Brum, always seems to get lumbered with shitty contemporary architecture - apart from Selfridges, which I like.
I'm sure it's very nice inside though, and it's great that the city has invested in such a thing when libraries are closing all over the country.
I'm sure it's very nice inside though, and it's great that the city has invested in such a thing when libraries are closing all over the country.
Attachments
The Fear
A Wise Man (once sat next to him)
Find it unbelievable how long it has taken. Sounds like it will be impressive inside.
Unsure yet on the exterior, the problem with Brum, I think, is they don't try to marry anything up, so bold designs like this look misplaced.
Not sure it is the best bit of architecture to be fair. Same as some of you have said already, Selfridges building is stunning.
Unsure yet on the exterior, the problem with Brum, I think, is they don't try to marry anything up, so bold designs like this look misplaced.
Not sure it is the best bit of architecture to be fair. Same as some of you have said already, Selfridges building is stunning.
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Guest
Guest
It looks similar to some of the new council flats in West Brom area lol, mind you it ain't nowhere near as ugly or useless as the £50 million the west Brom council waisted on an Arts centre, ffs it cost loads and no body in West Brom can spell let alone draw!
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Villan Of The North
Guest
I was overwhelmed when I heard that they were building a new central library, the old one is such a monstrosity. Sadly the new one is hardly an improvement, if an improvement at all. An opportunity missed, me thinks.
Still, at least it's surrounded by more contemporary architecture, unlike the old one, facing the beautifil buildings that house the town hall and the art museum (on a side note, I miss being able to take my kids to the natural history museum when we visit, I have many great memories from that place, especially the mummies and the model of the T-rex)
Still, at least it's surrounded by more contemporary architecture, unlike the old one, facing the beautifil buildings that house the town hall and the art museum (on a side note, I miss being able to take my kids to the natural history museum when we visit, I have many great memories from that place, especially the mummies and the model of the T-rex)
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Deleted member 506
Guest
I agree totally with you Trekker. I think from looking in depth at the plans that the inside will be amazing, I love the underground amphitheatre thing in the square, the towering central section with travelators and the massive outside garden areas.
But IMO the outside does look a bit like a massive 1960's comprehensive school that has been covered in scrap metal.
Overall though it seems the building is very well liked by the people, and Bham certainly needs more iconic and discussion provoking buildings, of which this is definately one. Like selfridges and hopefully more in the future.
So overall I'm in favour of it. I'm moreso looking forward to seeing the old monstrosity pulled down and the new paradise circus take shape, that really does look like it will be a nice area according to the plans. With the new city park and BCU taking shape, aside what will be the HS2 station, Birmingham is improving massively I think.
But IMO the outside does look a bit like a massive 1960's comprehensive school that has been covered in scrap metal.
Overall though it seems the building is very well liked by the people, and Bham certainly needs more iconic and discussion provoking buildings, of which this is definately one. Like selfridges and hopefully more in the future.
So overall I'm in favour of it. I'm moreso looking forward to seeing the old monstrosity pulled down and the new paradise circus take shape, that really does look like it will be a nice area according to the plans. With the new city park and BCU taking shape, aside what will be the HS2 station, Birmingham is improving massively I think.
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Villan Of The North
Guest
When you say Selfridges I pressume you mean the Bullring? Ok so Selfridges takes up a large part of the structure but it's al part of the shopping centre really.
I like the building too but everyone I've spoken to in my family really dislike it, they call it "The slug", as they say that is what it resembles.
I like the building too but everyone I've spoken to in my family really dislike it, they call it "The slug", as they say that is what it resembles.
villabrownie
Vital Queen
I actually LOVE this building. Love it. I think it's absolutely beautiful, and I love that Birmingham takes risks on its architecture.
The Fear
A Wise Man (once sat next to him)
Will be interesting once it is all fronted up, all the boardings etc taken down, to see it fully.
It is interesting and it is challenging.
It also seemed to have a strange effect on my face when you were taking photos... apparently it is known as a 'smile' ?!
It is interesting and it is challenging.
It also seemed to have a strange effect on my face when you were taking photos... apparently it is known as a 'smile' ?!
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Villan Of The North
Guest
Most parents attribute this to wind when reffering to their babies. Coincidence?
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Deleted member 506
Guest
Selfridges whilst being attached to the bullring is a building and piece of architecture in it's own right, commisioned and owned by Selfridges. Just like the new John Lewis Department store currently under construction attached to the New St Station complex: which in itself will be another iconic and thought provoking building when complete, and IMO another massive improvement on the present for Brum.
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Guest
Guest
:1: :19: Arr what a great purpose you have found for that ugly box in west brom Trek :19:
Yea the Library has a purpose and i luv popping into the Library when i get chance for a good book its good to see them still being built
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Deleted member 506
Guest
Isnt the public going to be turned into a sixth form college?
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Deleted member 506
Guest
Architecture and construction projects are a big interest of mine.
Yeah the new John lewis wasnt part of the original plan for what was the pallasades but now to be called grand central (bit confusing as the station is still called New St but shopping centre above to be called grand central? try explaining that to tourists??).
It's cores and framwork are complete, it should hopefully open up new opportunities for retail on that side of the city, and maybe inject some life into the mailbox. Same as the new Martineau Galleries and Dale End projects should do the same with that side of town, and inject some new life into Rackhams.
At the moment retail seems to be concentrated around the bullring - but a city the size of Birmingham can easily accomodate much more.
Yeah the new John lewis wasnt part of the original plan for what was the pallasades but now to be called grand central (bit confusing as the station is still called New St but shopping centre above to be called grand central? try explaining that to tourists??).
It's cores and framwork are complete, it should hopefully open up new opportunities for retail on that side of the city, and maybe inject some life into the mailbox. Same as the new Martineau Galleries and Dale End projects should do the same with that side of town, and inject some new life into Rackhams.
At the moment retail seems to be concentrated around the bullring - but a city the size of Birmingham can easily accomodate much more.
