The University of Leeds recently celebrated the official opening of its newly refurbished Health Sciences Library Reading Room, unveiling a transformative space designed to redefine how students engage with academic environments. Marking a major milestone for the University, the revitalised library places wellbeing, inclusivity, and adaptability at its core—creating a dynamic and welcoming environment that supports the evolving needs of today’s learners.
Designed with wellbeing, inclusivity and adaptability at its heart, the result is a revitalised, flexible and inviting interior that balances collaborative energy with calm, quiet zones—supporting a full spectrum of learning styles and academic activity.
Since work completed in May, the Health Sciences Library has already had over 13,000 visitors.
Tasked with transforming the library’s student learning experience, we worked in close collaboration with the University and its students to reshape the former social learning area into a vibrant, future-focused space. The result is a flexible and inviting interior that balances collaborative energy with calm, quiet zones—supporting a full spectrum of learning styles and academic activity.
A particularly impactful design choice that has been praised by students and staff is the integration of skylights, which have opened the library and filled it with natural light—transforming the space into a bright, uplifting environment that promotes respite and wellbeing. The design supports wellbeing through good daylight, adjustable task lighting, great acoustics and ventilation, and the introduction of biophilic materials. The space mimics a savannah landscape – providing both open views across the whole space as well as protective spaces that offer refuge.
The refreshed library boasts flexible furniture solutions that empower students with greater autonomy, offering spaces for individual study, group work, and informal discussion. Integrated technology and carefully designed acoustic interventions ensure a productive yet peaceful atmosphere, enabling students to feel comfortable and supported throughout their study experience.
Crucially, student engagement played a central role in the design process, with user input directly influencing layout decisions, furniture selection, and spatial functionality. The outcome is a space affectionately dubbed a “home base” on campus—a place where students feel welcome, supported, and inspired to return.
Speaking at the official opening, Philip Watson, Chair Head of Design at HLM Architects, commented:
“It’s fantastic to see this space open and alive with student activity. From the outset, our aim was to create a setting that goes beyond function—somewhere that genuinely supports wellbeing, encourages connection, and adapts with its users. Seeing students already making it their own is the greatest reward.”
Michael Fake, Associate Director: Student Learning & Experience at the University of Leeds, praised the successful outcome of the project:
“The refurbishment of the Health Sciences Library has had a profound impact on our campus community. It’s a space that feels welcoming, accessible, and connected—one that genuinely enhances the day-to-day experience of students and staff.”
The new Health Sciences Library is now set to serve as a hub for learning, collaboration, and community—a testament to the power of inclusive design in enhancing academic life.
