CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

PRECEDENT STUDY: Foster + Partners 

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Cranfield University is for postgraduate students of science, engineering, technology and management. The university is connected to Cranfield Airport aid teaching and research. 

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The library consists of four barrel-vaulted steel frame bays organised on a square plan around an off-centre atrium. The roofs overhang creates a vaulted entrance canopy as well as shelter and shading for the workspaces along the building's perimeter. Roof lights in the vaults provide natural light in the atrium and upper floors. The plan follows strict zoning patterns which are carved out by the light, manipulated by the external shading system.