Client : State Government of Tamil Nadu, India.

Name of Project: ANNA CENTENARY LIBRARY, INDIA

Project Type : Public Building

Location : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Site Area : 3.23 ha

Gross Floor Area : 37,165 m2

Construction Period : September 2008 – September 2010.

Estimated Investment : $. 36m

Architects : CRN Architects & Engineers, Chennai, India.

Building Materials : Fly ash blocks, PP cement, Solar efficient glass, Low

Background:

A State-sponsored public library, named after the former CM, the Anna Centenary Library has all the credentials of a landmark project. Essentially an Institutional Complex with a Public Library, the facility has a multipurpose state-of-the-art Auditorium with a seating capacity of 1200, an open air Amphitheater that will accommodate 800, and a Food Court, among other amenities. The Library houses 1.5 million books in various disciplines, newspapers & periodicals, manuscripts, books for alternately abled people including Braille & talking books, electronic and audio-visual media, computers and internet access.

The complex aims to be a cultural and educational node with round the clock activities, having a research facility of international standards, breaking the traditional image of a stuffy dark library.

The Project has been awarded the LEED Gold Rating (New Construction) by the Indian Green Building Council in recognition of its energy efficient design with a rating of 43 points

Planning Principles:

The detailed and accurate planning principles implemented during the construction of this facility have played a key role in determining its sustainability and energy-efficiency. Some of these principles are:

• Locating the Library block at an angle that allows for maximum daylight from Northeast and Auditorium with fewer openings along the South, enabling both to function independently and efficiently.

• An 8 storey Atrium which connects them visually & physically acts as a nodal interaction space which is also a thermal buffer.

• Within the floor plate of the Library, book stacks are centrally located with reading areas along the periphery maximizing the use of daylight.

• A large expanse of landscaped green in the foreground of the complex with overlooking terraces reduces noise and provides visual green relief.

• Developing the Auditorium roof as a landscaped Amphitheater, takes advantage of the structure and minimizes internal heat gain.

• Segregated movement patterns and access points, create an interesting pattern and sequence of spaces for both the formal (visitor) and regular (reader) user.

• Scaling down of built mass using glass walls, pergolas, louvers and open terraces provides a feeling of openness and landscape at eye level, both from within and outside.

Low Energy Architecture :

Conceptually, low-energy architecture has been achieved through an environmentally responsive design, using both passive design features and resource efficient active elements. Passive design features include building shape and form (optimizing surface to volume ratios), appropriate orientation and integrated shading devices achieving maximum daylight penetration with minimum heat ingress. Reading areas, facing North and East directions, are located next to structurally glazed facades. Along the Southwest direction (where heat gain is maximum) are located thermal buffer zones of service cores and an 8 floor high atrium with an outward sloping glass wall. Roof overhangs, Pergolas, Metal louvers provide distinct architectural features creating an identity for the complex, while cutting off heat and glare. Landscaped terraces reduce heat island effect. Active Energy elements include efficient Air conditioning system, Heat recovery wheels, Lighting fixtures with daylight and motion sensors, Intelligent building management system, Waste water recycling system, Sensor based sanitary fixtures and Building materials with low embodied energy. High performance glazing balances daylight transmission with heat penetration.

Interiors:

Interiors are finished with eco-friendly, locally available, recycled materials. Colour, graphics and imagery create a bright and inviting atmosphere for both serious and leisurely reading. Spatial Planning and Interiors of each section are customized to suit different types of users. Common spaces like lobby and atrium form interactive nodes where both permanent and temporary displays disseminate information on a variety of topics.

Further awareness regarding Environmental Conservation and Green Principles among the public is promoted through use of Graphics, Posters and even an artificial tree in the heart of the Children’s area that promotes the message of nature conservation.

Conclusion:

Thus sensitive architectural design and efficient building services solutions have resulted in a sustainable, low-energy building, delivered within a commercially viable budget without compromising aesthetics.