Plans for a £14m library that will dominate a new civic plaza in London's docklands have been unveiled by Southwark Council.
Shaped like an inverted pyramid the striking structure will overhang the Canada Water basin.
Designed by Piers Gough the four-storey building also has an atrium, with a timber-lined central spiral staircase, and will have a grass roof and a ground source heat pump.
The library will sit at the edge of a new town centre open space that will be designed to provide facilities for a farmer's market, large TV screenings and festivals.
Town centre
One of the existing exits from Canada Water tube station will be incorporated into the new building, creating a major new thoroughfare.
The ground floor of the building will have a cafe, exhibition space and an auditorium onto the new plaza.
Paul Noblet, Southwark's executive member for regeneration said: "The developlment will see the area's population grow and the new residents will need a library with a huge collection, study space, homework clubs, reading groups, story sessionsfor young children and continuous promotions and events.
"Even more exciting is that this fantastic library will be at the heart of a buzzing town centre with a range of community facilities for the 21st century."
Architect Piers Gough said: "When completed, it will be a great addition to this area of Southwark. The community will have a lovely place and resource to explore, read, learn, meet, be creative in and generally make their own."
April 8 2009