The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, forms the centrepiece of major regeneration plans for South Shields, a coastal town which has suffered over many years from economic hardship due to the decline of local heavy industries. The move to use a public library as a catalyst for regeneration and community cohesion was a bold one. South Tyneside Council outlined a vision for a library which was not only a repository for books, but a place of cultural interest which would underpin the areas wider cultural offer. The Word, represents a real paradigm shift in the public library building typology. It is a library for the 21st century, celebrating the dynamic relationship between people, books, traditional media and interactive technologies, in a truly inspiring environment. The Word is a place for people; the human-centric design placing the individual at the heart of the opportunity to interact, learn and delight. Its appearance is inspired by the fanning out of the pages of a book and the material selection celebrates the sites distinctive industrial heritage. The purity and strength of a circular building emerged from all of the influences and requirements set out by the urban grain, and the social, cultural and community ambitions. The building incorporates a library, exhibition space, FabLab with 3D printers and vinyl and laser cutters, television and radio studio, children's immersive storytelling area, OpenZone IT suite, café, and a rooftop viewing terrace.