Demolition is not always the answer: breathing new life into a 1960s building

Abstract

A tired 1960s engineering and science library building at the University of Nottingham, UK has been transformed into a sustainable, state-of-the-art, multi-function educational and social facility. Redevelopment of the George Green library involved complete refurbishment of the existing structure and building a new extension with a new unifying facade. Major engineering interventions were necessary to transform the existing building along with significant repairs to damage that only became apparent as works progressed. The new facility shows that, with architectural and engineering ingenuity, old buildings no longer fit for purpose do not necessarily have to be demolished.