Birmingham Central Library was opened in 1974 as part of a new civic centre scheme located in the west of Birmingham’s city centre. The building was designed by John Madin as part of a vision to modernise the city. It was the first of a new kind of library which acted as a multi-functional complex including a theatre and lecture rooms and with adaptable spaces to allow for the predicted changes in how public libraries would work in the future. When opened it was the largest non-national library in Europe and its inverted ziggurat form made it one of Birmingham’s most prominent modernist buildings.
The modernist form of the building and bold contrast to the surrounding Victorian architecture have made it controversial, with many taking a dislike to it. But still it has become an icon of brutalist architecture in Britain and with both English Heritage and The Twentieth Century Society recommending Grade II listing status it is a sad time to see the short-sightedness of the city council and planners destroying a significant part of Birmingham’s recent history.
John Madin’s design took a classical approach to the proportioning of the building’s mass, but used it in a strong brutalist style that was then reinforced by the heavy structural materials. The building’s context was well considered, with its height paying respect to the surrounding town hall and council house and a clever design of spatial sequences to connect views across public spaces and throughout the building. Later developments of the building at the end of the 1980’s saw key spaces enclosed and compartmentalised for easier subletting. In 1999 the council sold off the whole of Paradise Forum to a property developer and this privatisation severely impacted upon the public experience of the building’s spaces, making it more like an uninviting, monetized fortress rather than the grand civic experience for which it was designed. The poor management as well as a lack of maintenance have given opportunity for a hasty decision to demolish for the purpose of development.
English Heritage applied twice for the Library to be grade II listed in 2002 and 2007. They identified thebuilding as the largest civic (non-national) library in Europe. Describing it as having a boldly confident exterior that defines an era of Birmingham’s recent history. It was also said that the careful internal planning makes it a successful example of an integrated modern facility. The building was also included on the watch list of the World Monuments Fund, identifying it as an iconic building in the hope that attempts would be made to preserve it. However these recommendations were rejected by the Minister for Culture who said “the building did not have sufficient historical or architectural importance to merit listing”. Many are disappointed by this decision, including some previously indifferent to the design but now recognising it as an important Birmingham icon in the realisation that it would be no more.
"We believe not only that the Central Library is historically and architecturally significant, but that it is capable of being adapted for the needs of 21st century Birmingham."
"English Heritage believes that the Library is worthy of Grade ll listed protection. Its boldly confident exterior defines an era of Birmingham’s recent history, and its careful internal planning makes it a successful example of an integrated modern facility."
A square set of reinforced concrete columns support the structure, which stands over the ring road and the unfinished bus interchange. The floors are made with precast concrete coffered (waffle) units with a cast concrete surface for reinforcement. The external structure is left bare to expose the concrete work and walls are finished with a locally graded aggregate mix, blasted to give a rough textured surface.
Within the central atrium fully glazed walls were deep set into overhanging concrete balconies. This provided good natural light throughout the building, but reduced solar gain and therefore overheating and damage to books. Large windows faced inwards and high level narrow window strips faced outwards. This created a space that was protected from the noise and distraction of the outside world, as space ideal for study.
Internally the building was designed to give a sense of connectivity between the various sections. Madin wanted visitors to experience it as a complete complex in which one would have an idea of all that was there. A succession of smoothly connected volumes created a sensation of flowing spaces, and awareness of all departments from each. As one explored the spaces it was like exploring caverns that held secrets to be discovered; both mysterious and inviting. Something that is magical about a proper library. Madin also designed the semi-circular amphitheatre in Chamberlain Square used to frame the entrance of the library and the new civic square.