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December 2023
Origami 'living room' returns Paisley High Street to the fold

Origami 'living room' returns Paisley High Street to the fold

December 4 2023

A next-generation library that doubles as a learning and cultural hub has opened in Paisley, part of ongoing efforts to leverage heritage buildings to reinvigorate the town centre.

Renfrewshire Council has invested £7m in the Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub, housed within a former High Street shop front and spread over four floors.

Collective Architecture has added a contemporary origami-inspired frontage to entice passersby off the street to a ground-floor reception area and children’s library, including an elaborate play structure featuring designs by artist Claire Barclay.

Ewan Imrie, director at Collective Architecture, said: “Our design aims to make real Renfrewshire Council and OneRen's aspirations for a truly welcoming, accessible, and inclusive library.

“We hope this will be a living room for Paisley, a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can dwell within the various spaces to be discovered across the four floors, and that the folded paper-themed facade will inspire curiosity and draw people into the building."

The upper floors extend the accommodation mix with a computer room, study spaces, outdoor terrace and community facilities operated by the OneRen charitable trust.

A 'mini townscape' play structure incorporates a climbing wall and slide

The cultural hub has been designed to be as open and welcoming as possible

The geometric facade folds into a matching reception space

The library will host a range of events including an annual book festival

13 Comments

#1 Posted by Showbiz Sam on 4 Dec 2023 at 10:07 AM

Civilized! 10/10.

#2 Posted by Chris on 4 Dec 2023 at 10:43 AM

I feel like a darker colour on the new frontage would’ve complimented the Victorian facade more.

#3 Posted by Rankielass on 4 Dec 2023 at 15:01 PM

Wonderful!

#4 Posted by MS on 5 Dec 2023 at 04:32 AM

Not impressed. Sorry. No atmosphere and looks unfinished with visible pipework etc on the ceilings. Dont get how it cost 7 million to renovate.

#5 Posted by Carol on 5 Dec 2023 at 08:42 AM

The frontage spoils the High Street.

#6 Posted by juan de los angeles on 5 Dec 2023 at 11:24 AM

Looks gimmicky and lacks respect for the building and its neighbours.

#7 Posted by K Doc on 5 Dec 2023 at 11:33 AM

Looks more like a set of curtains than origami. Great to see the town regeneration projects finally transforming the town. On to the next one now, to repair the damage the pedestrianisation done to the High Street.

#8 Posted by Nairn's Bairn on 5 Dec 2023 at 12:29 PM

Brilliant. People of Paisley - get in there!

#9 Posted by CADMonkey on 5 Dec 2023 at 12:38 PM

No wonder councils are going bust if they spunk £7m of tax payers money on the likes of this.

#10 Posted by Roddy_ on 5 Dec 2023 at 13:10 PM

The facade of looks like it should open and close in a dynamic Calatrava style.
Alas.

#11 Posted by Showbiz Sam on 5 Dec 2023 at 14:25 PM

A new accessible public library on the high street. Get real, people! Competing against Braehead that killed the high street. And you want politeness, respect and Victorian Manners? Get in there!