Royal Holloway, University of London tlc@bedford

What makes the space successful?

The fresh, bright design, and the absence of rules and regulations around noise, mobile phones, food and drink all draw people in and they enjoy working with the many different table and seating styles and environments within the space. The availability of high quality coffee and snacks reduces the need to leave the area. It would be remiss not to mention the fact that the toilets were also renovated and the cleaning of the whole building increased following the opening of tlc and so the space always feels well looked after which helps ensure that those using the space respect it.

What principles were behind the design?

The main principle behind the design was the recognition that conversation is at the heart of learning. The Royal Holloway campus lacked anywhere for students to work collaboratively, with technology and learning resources to hand, in an atmosphere that would encourage study. None of the bars, cafes or social spaces on campus provided this, and previously the library lacked the kind of furnishings and equipment that facilitated this style of learning.

What is innovative about the design? And use of the building?

The Tea House in the centre of the floor is a strong feature. This is a large wooden structure that can be curtained off at each end to create a semi-private environment in which students can have a large group discussion using white-boards, e-beams, and projectors if they wish. The long benches in another area of the floor have curtains that can be pulled across to create divisions, again to give the feel of privacy. As we didn't wish to lose any book stock, the shelving was spread out across the floor to help create the separate environments. Although this makes navigability of the stock slightly less easy, it has been extremely effective in this aim.

What changes have you made as a result of receiving feedback?

So far we have not made changes in response to feedback - we would like to see a whole academic session through and evaluate it regularly during this time.

Anything else you wish to add

Note should be made of the successful completion of the radical refurbishment to a very tight timescale and deadline (while keeping the Library open to users throughout) and to the methodology employed to deliver the project. The project was managed by Ridge, an external company, working together with the designers Nomad and refurbishment contractors Vivid Interiors under the overall leadership of the Royal Holloway Interim Director of Information Services, Les Watson. The successful outcome depended not only on the positive interaction of these stakeholders but also on the commitment and determination of Library and IT staff as well as the support of the Royal Holloway Facilities Management department.

Despite the tight timescale of the project, student input was sought prior to the plans being finalised via Facebook. This site - Loveyourlibrary - brought a range of views on the redevelopment of the space, and on what students want from a library.