The Heron of Port Talbot Library Part 1 Project 2023 Abbie Messer University of Wales Trinity Saint David Swansea | UK A study into the current and future needs of Port Talbot revealed the need to develop a new masterplan with a focus on becoming an established transportation link with strong cultural and community value. The continued exploration of what the once car park might become led to the introduction of a library. Within the context of the masterplan, the existing job centre was replaced. In order to ensure this was reintegrated into the scheme in a new way to enhance its use, the idea of a contemporary library was developed. This architecture departs from the traditional concept of a library in order to become a multi-functional, community hub that facilitates learning to increase the prosperity of the town. The concept of creating an architecture that revives and connects the town is translated into its construction. Sustainability is embedded into the design in the sense of the build as well as the philosophy behind the community library as a whole. It was important to incorporate the cultural identity of Port Talbot into the building. This was executed through taking inspiration from Gillian Clarke’s poem, The Heron of Port Talbot which adds meaning while aligning with the building typology. Abbie Messer Tutor(s) Paul Harries Gavin Traylor