Health Sciences Library: Reimagining a student library
CLIENT: UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS | TYPE OF WORK: REFURBISHMENT | DATE: 2025 | SECTOR: EDUCATION
The University of Leeds’ Campus Reimagined project is taking a people-centric approach to their estate, looking at the campus as an experience, rather than just as a set of buildings.
Aiming to create a more inclusive environment and a campus where people simply want to be, part of the project was the refurbishment of the reading room in the Health Sciences Library. This space has previously been dark and noisy, with no natural light, and had been in need of a refurbishment for some time. We helped bring the university’s vision to life.
The solution
Instead of a run-of-the-mill refurbishment, the university wanted to create a vibrant, inclusive space which champions wellbeing and encourages collaborative learning. They aspired to a different type of learning space to the quiet, individually focused area that forms the majority of the Health Sciences Library, with the ambition of creating a place where people want to linger and keep coming back.
The 520sqm space, which includes a mezzanine area, provides space for students studying for exams or working on projects together.
Works included:
- Demolition and strip out of the space
- Scaffolding
- Structural alterations
- Cutting through the existing roof membrane to instal new Velux windows
- Acoustic panelling
- Mezzanine balustrade and accessibility improvements
- Decoration and tiling, including moss wall
- Lighting
- Furniture
The challenges
The project took place during university term time, with the area we were working on separated by just a glass door from the working library which students were still using. The library was open from 8am until midnight, so any connections to the existing building or especially noisy or disruptive work needed to take place in the early hours of the morning.
We communicated frequently with the library staff, so they were also informed on what work was happening, and when deliveries would be made. We also erected a hoarding with soundproofed boarding on, to reduce noise levels.
Access was also an issue, with the project on the fifth floor, and all materials required to go up in a lift and then through a narrow door into the site. For larger items such as the windows, a crane was needed to lift them over the roof and into the light well where they were to be placed. To do so, we needed to close off a main road outside the library, which we did during a weekend to minimise disruption.
There was also an existing artwork in situ over the doors to the library, which needed to be conserved and protected throughout the project.
Social value
We were also able to support the construction industry professionals of the future. We hosted a group of students who are studying construction management at Bradford College to visit the project, demonstrating the importance of digital skills in construction, and showing what it’s like to be on a live site.
Architect Ryan Lench of Associated Architects, was involved with the visit, and said it was vital for the construction industry that new recruits have digital skills.
“The visit demonstrated how digital techniques can be integrated into real-world construction, showcasing these innovations in action. This highlighted the importance of digital skills for the students’ future careers. By experiencing the industry firsthand, they were able to connect their studies to practical applications, reinforcing the essential role of technology in shaping the future of construction.”
The result
The result is a high-quality collaborative workspace with the wow factor, which encourages students to visit, stay and return. The space uses natural materials, and is built to soften sound.
The room is flooded with natural light for the first time, making the area much more attractive.
The library is also more accessible, with the mezzanine now accessible to wheelchairs through a widened doorway and automatic door opening system.
"Fantastic work by the team at I&G.
The team were awarded the contract with a spatially coordinated design, they developed the design and delivered fantastic quality.
The refurbishment was located at a challenging location; level 7 of the Worsley building, located at the city centre campus and adjacent to Leeds General Infirmary.
The site team had great appreciation and caused minimal disruption, even during the fantastic new roof light install!"