Projects

This cultural venue hosts exhibitions, glass-making demonstrations and family crafts. Following its acquisition by the University of Sunderland, we were commissioned to breathe new life into the destination. 

Working with the university and Arts Council, we centred the design process around visitor experience, aiming to provide a reinvigorated cultural destination. We created an easily navigable landscape of galleries, interactive lecture facilities and creative teaching studios. The improved, intuitive layout has allowed for a variety of arts and cultural programmes and has increased visitor numbers.

Our redesign of Nottingham Library transformed the space into a hub for creation and knowledge sharing. We achieved this by rethinking the layout in a logical way: people-based spaces are placed at the front of the plan, benefiting from natural light, whereas book stock and administrative areas are positioned towards the back. Group-based activities are clustered at the centre of the plan. This thoughtful design, which includes specific low-stimulus areas, aims to support neurodivergent visitors.

The library is L-shaped and spans three levels, connected by a central entrance. The different ‘zones’ are woven together by a feature timber ceiling—which, along with the metal chandeliers that crown the entrance, celebrates the region’s lace-making industry—and a book wall that runs the length of the internal perimeter. The open-cell ceilings are integral to the ventilation and lighting strategy, with lace-effect lights and swirl diffusers providing comfort and task lighting.

This project was particularly interesting because it posed the challenge of creating a community facility in the commercial environment of Westfield shopping centre.

As with all FaulknerBrowns’ library projects, we sought to reimagine the traditional library typology and cater to a diverse set of users. In addition to quiet study areas, we designed warm and welcoming spaces for social interaction, modern IT facilities, meeting and exhibition spaces, and a dedicated children's activity area.

Visually, the building has a curved glass facade, maximising natural light and creating an inviting environment to passers-by. The success of this project was demonstrated by the 50% increase in books borrowed in the six months after opening, alongside a 300% increase in new members.

Walthamstow Library was a deteriorating Grade II-listed building with declining visitor numbers. FaulknerBrowns were selected to carry out a full refurbishment and extension to modernise it and attract a more diverse audience.

To ensure the new library met the needs of all local demographics, we carried out a thorough public consultation process to help refine our approach for the scheme. Our design solution provided a stimulating and innovative facility.

We replaced the existing 1980s entrance with a striking, glazed lobby with decorative terracotta tiles that blend historic materials with contemporary design. We also created a dedicated children’s library extension and undertook substantial renovation of the remainder of the building, including accessibility improvements. The modernisation of the facility led to book loans increasing by 350%.