Project of the week

WHAT: A 2,000m2, £7m extension to the central library at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. The block was originally built in 1968 to designs by Denys Lasdun and then extended by architect Fielding and Mawson in 1974. London practice Shepheard Epstein Hunter has now made it a trio of architects who have worked on the library, overseeing an overall upgrade of the library, which will be carried out in phases.

WHEN: The current phase was completed in time for the start of the academic year. Work has started on a refurbishment on the existing Grade 11-listed library, which is due for completion in November 2005.

CONTRACT: JCT 98 traditional with quantities

WHO: QS: Davis Langdon, contractor: Kier Eastern, PM: Mace, environmental engineer: BDP

ARCHITECT'S VIEW: “The design process has benefited from a close working relationship with the Librarian and her technical user group, in order to achieve a high quality but cost-effective building. Our design team has adopted an integrated holistic approach in order to achieve a well-lit, glare free and comfortable environment which requires minimal energy.

NORWICH AGAIN: This is the second successive week we have featured a project from the heart of East Anglia. Is there no end to the architectural delights on display from the city?

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