Sir Duncan Rice Library

Aberdeen, Scotland

Schmidt Hammer Lassen

Established in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest English language university in the world. Since its completion in 2011, which replaced the existing Queen Mother Library, the new library continues to uphold its cultural and academic significance as a 15,000m m² landmark in the Aberdeen skyscape.

A library primarily known for its historic archival collection of rare books, the new library reinforces its historic and memorable reputation as a significant landmark within the Aberdeen skyscape. An exciting embodiment of past, present, and future – the new library is open, multi-functional, and accessible in its nature as a cultural destination of learning for the wider Aberdeen community.

Client: Aberdeen University

Architect: Schmidt Hammer Lassen

Acoustic Design: Arup

Construction Cost: £34m (€45m)

Role of Sébastien Jouan: Project Manager and Acoustic Design

Completion: 2012

More info on SHL