New £27.5m Laidlaw Library Complete
The striking new building on the main University frontage opened its doors for the first time on Wednesday 27 May.
Key features of the building include low energy lighting, a green rooftop garden – with beehives, and solar panels on the roof. Coupled with light and airy spaces, modern furniture and comfortable seating areas the new library is contributing to the University’s desire to deliver a positive experience for students, staff and visitors.
The new library offers open desks, private booths, soft armchair seating and high benches. There are quieter areas on the upper floors, bookable group rooms, study rooms for disabled students and a Skills zone for drop-ins and workshops.
Renowned sculptor Simon Fugiwara was commissioned to create a new artwork and his ‘Spire’ piece, designed to signify Leeds shift from a city of 100 chimneys to post globalised urbanism, now sits proudly on view outside the new Library.
