SOAS Library unveils transformed reading room at the heart of brutalist landmark
The reading room in SOAS’s historical grade II listed brutalist Library building has undergone a major refurbishment to create a revitalised learning space for students.
The design is the culmination of months of planning and work, incorporating feedback from our students and staff to breathe new life into this previously under-used area of the SOAS Library, while also remaining sympathetic to the original design.
A leading figure in modern British architecture Sir Denys Lasdun & Partners designed the Philips Building, home to the SOAS Library, which was completed in 1973. Today it is widely recognised as a masterpiece of brutalist architecture, housing the UK’s only national research library dedicated to Asia, Africa and the Middle East, also a member of Research Libraries UK.
SOAS students and our alumni may recall seeing this first-floor space previously dominated with computer terminals, nestled inside the four grand Library walls. The refreshed space now offers flexible and informal areas for collaborative and individual study for today’s students - combined with updated IT, new furniture and lighting to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. While studying in this space - students and visitors can look up to see five floors housing some of the Library's 1.3 million volumes and rare manuscripts.
SOAS Chief Librarian Sam Henney said: “SOAS Library is a unique building with a fascinating history. Being able to honour this while creating an environment that actively supports our students in their studies is fantastic achievement.”
And if you haven’t visited the SOAS Library - you might be interested to know it has also made several films and television drama appearances - including The Crown, Last Night in Soho and Lockwood & Co.
