From libraries to theatres, what are the challenges behind some venues, and how can these be overcome? Sandbox FOMO5 3, from Ep.08

What are the challenges behind designing venues and how can these be overcome? For instance, how can you balance the ideal temperature for storing archival materials with visitor comfort? Find out more in this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5 episode... 

In our latest ‘Sandbox’ episode, Christine Lowry, Partner, Buro Happold, noted that there are, ‘two significant’ challenges when it comes to venue design.  

The first challenge is ensuring that visitors are comfortable at the ‘equivalent to modern standards’, whilst preserving the heritage elements of existing buildings – a common feature of many theatres, galleries and museums.  

Christine noted that the ‘other great challenge’ is implementing sustainable design practices. Discussing Buro Happold’s work with the British Library, Christine said: “The challenge of achieving certain conditions whilst being sustainable is really challenging because of exhibit materials. I'm actually working with the British library at the moment, and they store a lot of paper in all of their books and paper doesn't like to be too dry because it crumbles, and it doesn't like to be too wet because it goes mouldy.” 

To store these books in a sustainable way, Christine discussed the passive design approach Buro Happold has taken, saying: “There is a band of temperature that we'd like to keep the space at. Now this is actually quite a cool temperature which isn't actually comfortable for people. 

“We are putting in automated retrieval systems... to hold the temperature much cooler, which means the big ventilation systems and heating, cooling, humidification and dehumidification systems that we would have once needed in this building, we now don't need.  

“So, all the energy which would have driven those systems in the past because we were trying to make the space suitable and comfortable for humans as well as the books, isn't needed.” 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Christine Lowry, Partner, and Dr. Becky Hayward, Associate Director. Our special guest in this episode is Alistair Barrie, comedian and actor. Alistair performs at major events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (where he has been nominated twice for best show), and Glastonbury. You can also find him regularly on the BBC, Times Radio and a wide range of podcasts.  

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.    

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).