A stunning covering in overlapping aluminium circles is the characteristic of the £193m Library of Birmingham, designed by the Dutch studio Mecanoo Architecten. Inaugurated September 2013, the biggest public library in Europe, 35.000 square meters, The Library of Birmingham is a transparent glass building overlooking Centenary Square, the largest public square in the heart of Birmingham. The covering in circular metal filigree honours Birmingham’s long artisan tradition, with a particular reference to the Jewellery Quarter.
The library’s internal space invites to look upward, following the long escalators. On the second level, bookshelves radiate from the Book Rotunda, a wide, three-storey drum lined with books. All around the transparent glass facade, wrapping the nine floors of the building, a long shelf is embellished by 154 LEM stools. Their typical metal frame perfectly matches the circle profiles outside.
LEM stool
LEM stool
Design: Shin & Tomoko Azumi
An iconic stool. The lines of its closed, perfect form delineate the minimum indispensable volume, achieving a measured and timeless elegance. An entire family of Lem stools featuring a range of bright colours and a variety of textures and materials has now been developed on the basis of the initial concept. A versatile Lapalma classic for the contract
segment, used widely for a broad range of requirements.
Stool with fixed or adjustable height with swivel seat. Frame of mat chromed steel, with base covered by a stainless steel sheet with “linen fabric” pattern or entirely white or black powder coated. Also available in black chrome. Seat in several finishes. LEM is also available with “swing-back system” for the seat and floor-fixing base Ø 20 cm. especially suitable for catering and high frequency areas.
Library Images: Christian Richters
LEM stool in the Library of Birmingham
LEM stool in the Library of Birmingham
LEM stool in the Library of Birmingham
LEM stool in the Library of Birmingham
LEM stool in the Library of Birmingham