KLM wins Birmingham Library identity work

The consultancy was appointed this week by Birmingham City Council following a tender process which saw 28 consultancies from across the UK submitting tenders, and four shortlisted.

Brian Gambles, assistant director of culture at Birmingham City Council, says, ‘This tender has generated enormous interest in the creative industry, which indicates the importance and prestige being attached to the new library.’

Jon Derry, chairman of KLM, says, ‘Our job is to create an engaging visual identity which projects the library’s accessibility and relevance, as well as its iconic architectural stature.’

He adds, ‘The work we’re doing is about reflecting the library’s architectural stature and making it a meeting place for the city.’

The tender process came under fire after Birmingham City Council asked for free creative work, including logo and identity design proposals, at the initial stage. However, the council later backed down, and issued a statement that it was ‘not looking for worked-up design proposals at the tender stage’.

Building work on the new library, designed by Dutch architect Mecanoo, is set to start in January, and it is due to open in 2013.