Glasgow Women's Library

Collective Architecture won a limited competition to redevelop a Category B' listed library in Bridgeton, Glasgow for The Glasgow Women’s Library. The library, built on 1903, is one of seven “Carnegie” libraries donated to the city. A local landmark, the building is grand in appearance with feature bays, intricate ornamentation and beautifully carved statues.

Collective Architecture worked closely with the Glasgow Women's Library to develop informal reading spaces and an open plan mezzanine area, with new lift access, within the former Main Reading Room.

The Reading Room is located above a new ground floor cafe and kitchen and a space for exhibitions.

A major requirement was for a new strong room archive, designed over two levels at the rear of the gallery.

This houses the permanent collections, as well as special pieces of display which required to be climatically controlled to ensure their survival.