Biblioteca de Peckham
London GB
Alsop and Störmer
1999
Type
Library
Tags
cultural facilities, community infrastructures
Visitability
Allowed
Description
As well as being a lending library, Peckham Library acts as a community centre for Peckham, in London’s South East. The building where it is housed, designed by Alsop and Stormer, won the Stirling Prize for Architecture in 2000.When observed from the sides, this imposing building takes the shape of an inverted L. Its front section is supported by a row of slender steel pillars, standing at odd angles. The whole exterior is covered in copper sheets, which create an unusual visual effect by reflecting the sunlight on the facade.The public entrance is on the ground floor, with the reading area on the first floor. Removed from street-level noise, the atmosphere is much quieter. An IT and Media Centre are housed in adjoining buildings.