Refurbishment and extension of Imperial College’s Central Library – now the Abdus Salam Library – was part of a wider programme of campus renewal. The project reconfigured and upgraded the 1960s concrete-panelled structure, clarifying its programme, improving building services and significantly enhancing the quality of interior spaces.

The most significant alteration is a two-storey glazed roof extension, which introduces daylight deep into the 4000-square-metre building and brings a sense of lightness and openness in deliberate contrast to the robust concrete architecture below. This intervention establishes a clear and welcoming identity for the renewed building while improving environmental performance.

The project also introduced the Music and Arts Centre, providing a 250-seat auditorium alongside rehearsal spaces, a gallery and offices. Together, these facilities broaden the building’s role beyond study and research, creating a shared cultural resource for the Imperial College community.