On a riverside site in Worcester city centre, this is a highly sustainable building and the first joint-use library in the UK, serving both the University of Worcester and the general public.

The project team developed an innovative way of utilising parametric modelling to explore design ideas, enabling the manipulation of form within the boundaries of the structural and environmental constraints, and resulting in a design which takes out 250 tonnes of steel from the roof replacing it with laminated timber and saving an estimated 2 months of design work. This research won first prize at the International Bentley Awards for "Innovation in Generative Design".

The building provides an integrated academic and public library, a county archive accommodating 2600 historic documents, a local history centre and a local authority multi-agency service centre providing frontline services for local residents. The development also provides retail space and high quality public realm connecting key levels in the city centre.

The gold shingled form draws inspiration from both the historic kilns of the Royal Worcester works and the undulating ridgeline of the Malvern Hills. The structure incorporates solid laminated timber roof cones,which optimise day lighting and natural ventilation throughout the building. Water from the nearby River Severn is used to provide cooling.

The Hive has achieved BREEAM Outstanding.

Client: University of Worcester and Worcestershire County Council

Construction value: £35,800,000

Completion: January 2012