Reading Room Pod, Royal Vetinary College

The brief for this extension to the Royal Veterinary College Campus in Camden was to provide social learning spaces that would enable flexible informal teaching and learning. Given the limited potential for expansion the architect worked with the existing structure of the College to create a naturally ventilated internal courtyard with an ETFE roof structure.

The primary intervention is a reading room ‘pod’ that is an extension of the library facilities surrounding it.

Birch plywood panels have been laminated into curves and CNC perforated to provide a relaxed space which can be reached by a stairway from the mezzanine break-out terrace.

Alternatively a link bridge connects the new structure with the existing 1930s library and lecture theatres at second floor level. The ‘timber cocoon’ provides a semi-public study space that overlooks café seating and museum exhibits at the basement terrace below. The intention is that the facility will act as a ‘unifying hub’, enhancing the educational experience of the campus and the college.