This intervention has significantly expanded the Library’s volume by providing additional reading and work spaces on the existing Library terraces to meet the strategic needs of SOAS in the 21st century. The new spaces have given a new character to the Library, and introduced more light to create far better conditions for study. The scheme, completed on schedule and budget, extended the Library onto the existing north and east terraces at first floor level in two double-height glazed extensions. This delivered 170 additional reading and work spaces on existing Library levels, as well as new support and ancillary accommodation.
This project is one of a number of schemes by JMP for SOAS, following the practice’s completion of the SOAS campus masterplan in 2000. This included schemes for the Department of Middle Eastern Studies and the Research Wing.