The Reuse of Buildings: Libraries Behaving Sustainably
The chapter takes a broad overview starting from the premise that reuse
of buildings has obvious benefits in terms of recycling materials and retaining the
embodied energy contained within the structure. It focuses on the opportunity
for libraries to adopt a fully sustainable approach by locating in existing buildings
in need of a new use which has the added advantage of creating a sense of
place and community identity. Examples of old buildings that have been brought
back into use as libraries are discussed as are the challenges of sensitively adapting
listed buildings and blending old and new elements respectfully and imaginatively.
Most of the examples discussed are drawn from the United Kingdom and
Ireland although reference is made to other worldwide examples.
Files in this item
