Exercise 3.1 General Site Analysis (Peckham Library)

Exercise 3.1 General Site Analysis (Peckham Library)

The buildings main function is library. It also has one stop shop on ground floor providing local residents with council services. It is located on Peckham Square in South East London. It has excellent pedestrian and cycle access. The square can be accessed from all directions. The library is conveniently located very near transport links, there are plenty of bus stops in immediate vicinity (The closest one outside Mountview building).

The library is adjacent on the northside to the Mountview building, the building stands very close to the library, no more than 20 meters. Mountview has been built in recent years and thankfully it doesn’t cast a shadow on the library, it’s the library that casts a shadow on the Mountview building. I can imagine prior to Mountview’s construction there was quite a view through library’s colourful windows at the back of the building. Mountview is a multi-use building, containing drama school, theater, restaurants, leisure and cultural activities.

In front of Peckham Library there is Peckham Arch.

Reflection on the task:

I found this task interesting, especially investigating and drawing the library’s position in relation to the four cardinal directions. I normally never think where south or north is and I understand this is crucial information when designing the space, whether it is a whole building or just one of the interiors. I think the building is positioned in a great relation to the sun path, soaking the light in, reducing the need for artificial lighting. I am disappointed that the Mountview building stands where it does as it ruins the view through the back of library, that view must have been Will Alsop’s idea to encourage public take stairs and enjoy the city’s panorama while being healthier and more eco-friendly.

List of illustrations:

Fig. 1 Shuttleworth, A (2020) Colourful Back of Peckham Library [Photograph] In possession of: the author: Epsom

Fig. 2 Shuttleworth, A (2020) View from Peckham Hill Street [Photograph] In possession of: the author: Epsom

Fig. 3 Shuttleworth, A (2020) View from Rye Lane [Photograph] In possession of: the author: Epsom

Fig. 4 Shuttleworth, A (2020) Peckham Arch From Library Window [Photograph] In possession of: the author: Epsom

Fig. 5 Shuttleworth, A (2020) View from One Stop Shop Entrance [Photograph] In possession of: the author: Epsom