Works are progressing well on site at the University of York’s J B Morrell Library, supporting the University’s vision to create a more student-focused and outward-facing environment that better responds to both educational and social needs. The project will see the remodelling of the ground floor entrance and adjoining spaces to improve circulation, accessibility and spatial efficiency for the library’s 6,000 daily visitors.

Leeds-based practice, GSSArchitecture, have been leading the designs for the scheme, their proposed layout has been carefully developed to address existing challenges around wind ingress, creating a clearer, more welcoming and weather-resilient arrival experience. Positioned close to the entrance, a new flexible event space will accommodate pop-up stands and small exhibitions, encouraging interaction, collaboration and knowledge sharing within the library.

Beyond this, students will move into a newly created study lounge featuring study rooms to support focused and flexible learning. Accessibility has been a key driver throughout the design process, with inclusive principles embedded across the scheme alongside upgraded toilet facilities designed to support a wide range of user needs. Clear and intuitive wayfinding has also been incorporated throughout the reconfigured spaces to improve navigation for students, staff and visitors.

Leeds-based practice, GSSArchitecture, have been leading the designs for the scheme, their proposed layout has been carefully developed to address existing challenges around wind ingress, creating a clearer, more welcoming and weather-resilient arrival experience. Positioned close to the entrance, a new flexible event space will accommodate pop-up stands and small exhibitions, encouraging interaction, collaboration and knowledge sharing within the library.

Alex Proctor, Project Partner commented: “It’s fantastic to be working with the University of York on a project that places students at the heart of the design. By enhancing accessibility, improving the overall user experience and increasing the building’s energy efficiency, the scheme will help futureproof the library and ensure it continues to support the evolving needs of students, staff and visitors for years to come.”

Beyond this, students will move into a newly created study lounge featuring study rooms to support focused and flexible learning. Accessibility has been a key driver throughout the design process, with inclusive principles embedded across the scheme alongside upgraded toilet facilities designed to support a wide range of user needs. Clear and intuitive wayfinding has also been incorporated throughout the reconfigured spaces to improve navigation for students, staff and visitors.

Alex Proctor, Project Partner commented: “It’s fantastic to be working with the University of York on a project that places students at the heart of the design. By enhancing accessibility, improving the overall user experience and increasing the building’s energy efficiency, the scheme will help futureproof the library and ensure it continues to support the evolving needs of students, staff and visitors for years to come.”

David Ayre, Senior Project Manager at the University of York: “We are delighted to see works get underway on this exciting project, which forms a vital part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the overall student experience. By transforming the library’s entrance and ground floor into a more accessible, modern, and welcoming space, we are creating an environment that beautifully supports both the academic and social needs of our community. This refurbishment will ensure the Library remains a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring hub for collaborative and flexible learning at the heart of our campus.”

Audas, commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside the University of York and GSS on this exciting scheme and are proud to be contributing to its successful delivery. By collaborating closely with the incumbent consultants, we are committed to ensuring the project is delivered to the highest standards and fully aligned with the University’s vision and expectations.

David Ayre, Senior Project Manager at the University of York: “We are delighted to see works get underway on this exciting project, which forms a vital part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the overall student experience. By transforming the library’s entrance and ground floor into a more accessible, modern, and welcoming space, we are creating an environment that beautifully supports both the academic and social needs of our community. This refurbishment will ensure the Library remains a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring hub for collaborative and flexible learning at the heart of our campus.”

Our focus is on creating an exceptional environment where students can thrive, delivering a modern, vibrant, and high-quality space that enhances both their experience and wellbeing for years to come.”

GSSArchitecture has worked closely with the wider project team to deliver the scheme, alongside Hexa Consulting, CPWP, Built Environment Advisory, Bellrock, Apex Acoustics and Thermal Flow. The main contractor, Audas, has previously collaborated with GSSArchitecture on the successful refurbishment of the University of York’s Psychology Study Space project.

Audas, commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside the University of York and GSS on this exciting scheme and are proud to be contributing to its successful delivery. By collaborating closely with the incumbent consultants, we are committed to ensuring the project is delivered to the highest standards and fully aligned with the University’s vision and expectations.

Our focus is on creating an exceptional environment where students can thrive, delivering a modern, vibrant, and high-quality space that enhances both their experience and wellbeing for years to come.”

We have worked closely with the wider project team to deliver the scheme, alongside Hexa Consulting, CPWP, Built Environment Advisory, Bellrock, Apex Acoustics and Thermal Flow. We have previously collaborated with main contractor, Audas on the successful refurbishment of the University of York’s Psychology Study Space project.