Task 5 - The Peckam Library

http://ribastirlingprize.architecture.com/peckham-library-london-2000/

The Peckam Library, London,  won the RIBA sterling award in the year 2000. Firstly, looking at the building, I think it looks absolutely great. Its an extremely modern looking building because of its unusual shape, and enormous use of glass. I also find it very clever and effective how the colours have been used in the glass, to give a very bright and aesthetic look, but still maintaining a level of transparency allowing plenty of light into the building. It also entered my mind that the colours are very simple, and are mainly primary colours. This reminds me of when I was a child, learning about colours, and I think these colours have been used as a library is a place where people read and learn, making it very appropriate.The building is also in the shape of an 'L', which other than coincidence, could stand for the word 'learn'. The shape is unusual, and together with the mix of colours and glass, I think creates a very attractive and welcoming building, which gets rid of the common 'dull' stereotype many libraries have. Although it can be argued the building doesn't suit its surroundings, the reason for building such an aesthetic building of an unusual nature is because the client, Southwark council, wanted a building to set a new bar for the regeneration of the 'under privileged borough'. In this sense, I feel the architect was very successful in fulfilling the client brief.

References: All information and photos was taken from http://ribastirlingprize.architecture.com/peckham-library-london-2000/ , on the 30/04/14.