Information Services and Psychology Buildings, University of Wales Bangor

Nicholas Hare Architects were commissioned to provide two additional facilities for the University of Wales’ Bangor campus.

The first, a new home for psychology, occupies a steep site adjacent to Bangor’s Grade I Listed University College. As such, Hare designed a simple pitched roof building with a muted palette of white render and blue-grey slate.

The south-west elevation features a contrasting metallic layered facade, with a system of balconies/louvres to provide shading. The building contains administration, staff accommodation and small teaching rooms, with a sizeable lecture theatre at second floor level.

The second building forms a section of infill, expanding an existing link between the science library and 1970s information services building. Forming the core of the reorganized library, the extension provides a spacious central issue desk and reading room. Clearstory windows and a circular lightwell bring light deep into the library, rejuvenating the refurbished 1970s additions.