Cool Bookish Places

The Library Bridge

Jeff O'Neal

CEO and co-founder

Jeff O'Neal is the executive editor of Book Riot and Panels. He also co-hosts The Book Riot Podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @thejeffoneal.

Adding new building space on historic university campuses is a difficult task. This was the problem Zaha Hadid faced when commissioned to add a library and study space extension to the Middle East Centre at Oxford.

Not only was space itself tight, but adding on directly or otherwise altering existing structures is a challenge. So, Hadid used the available space, which goes over a walkway and abuts an outdoor common areas, and new underground space to create a fluid, morphing structure that does not disturb the existing building or take up precious open space. The project is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed next year.

library bridge outside

library table and stacks

library study room

library bridge