Library And Arts Tower, University Of Sheffield

The Library and Arts Tower at the University of Sheffield is a notable building constructed in 1959 for the library and between 1962 and 1965 for the arts tower. Designed by Gollins, Melvin Ward and Partners, the library features a Portland stone exterior on a brick base, with turquoise-tinted glazing and a flat roof. The arts tower is fully glazed, incorporating both transparent and obscure glass panels set within metal mullions, also topped with a flat roof.

The library has a square plan and includes one main floor above ground that houses a reading room, along with additional stack floors below. The arts tower has a rectangular plan with lecture theatres located in the basement and various departments above, rising to 18 storeys. The curtain walling includes solid panels below the window sill height. The library's reading room is characterized by floor-to-ceiling glazing, with thick painted mullions that are closely spaced, and features a deep Portland stone strip above and a narrower one below. The entrance is fully glazed and includes a gallery.