Coffey Architects' winning design for the new Science Museum Research Center in London

Emerging London practice Coffey Architects was recently announced to have the winning design for the new Science Museum Research Center at the infamous Science Museum in London.

Coffey Architects' light-filled design for the new research center will bring the Wroughton Library's vast collection to academic researchers and create a welcoming appeal for the general public. The research center is scheduled to open by 2015.

Read more about it below.

"The new project will occupy the ground and first floors of the museum’s Wellcome Wolfson Building and is defined by two simple elements: the bookcase and the canopy. The bookcases create a warm and welcoming landscape for research. The canopy filters light and controls acoustics, creating a serene environment.

The main focus of the library is the central reading room from which all activity is orientated. A small stair provides a direct connection to the bright upper mezzanine with common room and staff areas while below the mezzanine, a timber-lined research bar and private study areas are located amongst the main bookstacks. The entire room is bathed with dappled light from thousands of small oculi set within the double height translucent canopy above."

"Practice director Phil Coffey said, 'The scheme itself is a simple idea to recreate the feeling of sitting under a tree, on a summer’s day, reading a book. The proposed canopy will create light and acoustic conditions conducive for study, as well as offering a unique space with a strong identity to be enjoyed by both casual and academic users.'

The project is expected to start on site next spring."