Address: Sidgwick Campus, 10 West Rd
Date: 1995
Architects: Foster & Partners

For Cambridge University


image © adrian welch

Apparently nicknamed by some Cambridge students as the 'Bread Bin' this rather stark Foster building contains the 'relocated' Squire Law library with generous atrium, five auditoria and offices. Some users of the building initially complained about acoustics and many find the south facade (for one) overbearing and alienating. The Norman Foster library squares up to (with its point) the James Stirling library to the west: these are two buildings that are quite egotistical; one gets the feeling this building could have been anywhere.

Cambridge Law Library architects : Foster & Partners

Context to the Cambridge Law Library:


Sidgwick Site, view - Stirling's Library with Allies & Morrison building beyond


Faculty of History (Library centre) - James Stirling, Architect
Controversial modern Cambridge building that had probelms with overheating, leaks, falling tiles, etc.

Cambridge Law Library context : Faculty of History



The Author
My connection with Cambridge, and specifically its architecture, goes back to childhood visits through to nine months working as an architect in the city. My father and brother both went to Downing College and my Aunt to Homerton College. I helped design new buildings at Homerton for RMJM Cambridge and new buildings at Hills Road Sixth Form College whilst at RH Partnership.
Adrian Welch

Cambridge Architecture

Stirling Prize

Cambridge Libraries
Jerwood Library, Trinity Hall
1999
Freeland Rees Roberts

Cambridge University Library
Giles Gilbert Scott



World Architecture : e-architect - a guide to key buildings across the globe

Comments / photos for the Cambridge Law Library Architecture page welcome: info@e-architect.co.uk

Cambridge Law Library building - page : adrian welch / isabelle lomholt