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University of Edinburgh, Main Library
MacLean, Kevin, 2016, Digital image
University of Edinburgh, Main Library
University of Edinburgh, Main Library
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Item no
42053
Title
30 George Square, University of Edinburgh, Main Library. Built 1967, Sir Basil Spence, Glover and Ferguson
Artist / maker
MacLean, Kevin
Date
2016
Type
Digital image
Location
Edinburgh and Scottish Collection
The Main Library is situated on the south west corner of George Square, chosen because this was the quietest section of the square. Opened in 1967, the eight storey building was designed by Sir Basil Spence. The horizontal library exterior is deliberately designed to look like a bookcase; the architecture features brutalist elements but also clear oriental features. The exterior columns on the north side feature bracketing and are non-weight bearing in what may be seen as a humorous stab at the movements at the time following the principle that architecture must be truthful and form must follow function. Upon opening, it was the largest university library in the UK, with each floor an acre in size.
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Modern Architecture in Edinburgh
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