Library Buildings around the World

used extensively to create an exciting internal atmosphere, the internal fitout is designed to evoke the feeling of an upscale book
store. (Brewster)
Strathfield Library, Strathfield (Sydney), NSW – Australia 2004
Physical Size: 2,000 m², Cost: $ 4.750.000, Client: Strathfield Council.
Awards:
The project was shortlisted for the RAIA 2004 Awards in the Public Building Category
MBA Public Building Award 2004
The beautiful new Strathfield Library and Information Centre is a striking, modern building which sits on the same site and replaces
the old 1970’s Homebush Library. The new 2,200m2 building is designed to sit comfortably in the tree-lined streets of federation
style Homebush residential village and consists of a central lending library, a reference library, a local history library and a
children’s library. BHA were engaged to develop and document the building’s design and follow the process right through to
obtaining Planning Approval and assisting during the Construction Phase. The design phase involved intensive consultation with
Council and Library staff as well as a series of public and neighbourhood consultation meetings. The building’s design introduces a
number of features in relation to efficiency and connectivity of the various spaces. The internal design is laid out around a central
atrium that visually connects the major facilities of the building over both floors. The atrium also acts as a thermal chimney and lies
at the heart of the building’s natural ventilation and energy conservation system. A large array of photovoltaic cells are arranged on
the building’s roof and provide supplementary power for the Centre’s operation. (Brewster)
Mona Vale Library, Mona Vale (Sydney), NSW – Australia 2004
Physical Size: 1,700 m² (library) 1,550 m² (council admin + childcare), Cost/Budget: $ 7.200.000, Client: Pittwater Council engaged
BHA to design and administer the construction of their new Central Library under the Mona Vale Village Park.
Awards:
RAIA Commendation Award for Civic Design 2005
RAIA Commendation Award for ESD 2005
MBA Public Building Award for ESD 2005
The project includes a new 1,700m2 library constructed below ground and connected to the existing heritage library building. The
new library is lit by an open central atrium and accessed by a curved ramp which descends through a linear glazed lantern.
The existing library building is reconfigured as a new Customer Service Centre for Council and connected to the library by ramp,
stair and lift. The Village Park extends over the Library with a new amphitheatre, public plaza and café. The building capitalises on
the reduced diurnal temperature variations found below ground to minimise energy consumption. Air intakes use the earth to precool
the air supply which is then distributed below floor with a displacement air system. (Brewster)
Five Dock Library, Five Dock (Sydney), NSW – Australia 2004
Physical Size: 1,800 m², Cost/Budget: $ 2.500.000, Client: Canada Bay Council, The BHA Design Team wanted to create a
memorable, yet state of the art library facility for the new Five Dock Library
From the cosmopolitan café/bookstore to the busy street life of Five Dock village, a feeling of Avant Garde was devised to
complement the libraries urban surroundings. Essentially two distinct schemes overlap each other to create a dramatic, vibrant and
enticing composition. Brightly sculptured walls make an exciting basis for the library fitout with colours defining various sections of
the library. Dividing walls are lined with translucent acrylic and lit from above with bright blue lighting. Highlighting the space is a
28 metre long red wall which runs from the main entry, deep into the heart of the building. The graphics are coloured to match the
Library’s paint scheme and work with the full palette of internal finishes to create a co-ordinated, exciting and unique internal
environment for this important public facility. (Brewster)
Erina Fair Centre, Erina, NSW – Australia 2003
physical size: 1,200, cost: $ 4.500.000, completed: 2003
New Branch Library of approx 1,200m2 built as a tenancy within the new Erina Fair Shopping Centre. The project also included a
large Community Meeting facilities & Youth Centre. (Brewster)
University of Western Sydney (UWS), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Milperra Campus,
Sydney Parramatta, NSW – Australia 2001
Size: 2.500 m², $ 5.000.000
The UWS FASS Project is a new building located on the Milperra campus of the University of Western Sydney – Macarthur for the
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Three departments were to be housed within the building. These included the Department of
Aviation, Department of Psychology and a research space for use by the Pro-Vice Chancellor. BHA were engaged to prepare a
detailed brief, develop a design, obtain Development Approval and assist during the construction phase.
The briefing and design process involved extensive consultation with the Building Committee, faculty representatives and senior
university management. A number of intensive consultative design workshops were held. The project was completed on time and
budget. The new building enhances the university campus. The building replaced existing temporary accommodation within
demountable buildings. The new building follows the natural topography of the site and is two storeys high at the eastern end,
stepping down to three storeys at the western end. A heavy masonry wall on the southern façade of the building wraps around the
eastern and western facades, opening up to lightweight profiled metal cladding and glazed curtain wall on the northern façade. An
exposed concrete frame on the northern façade reflects the surrounding buildings. Solar protection in the form on suns shading has
been incorporated in the design on the northern and western facades. A new covered walkway similar to the existing walkways on
campus connects to the existing covered walkways. (Brewster)
Woy Woy Library, Woy Woy, NSW – Australia 2000
Parkes Library Library, Parkes, NSW – Australia 1999
Port Macquarie Library, Port Macquarie, NSW - Australia 1997
Bowral Town Health Centre, Library, Bowral, NSW – Australia 1997
physical size: 1750 (library) 1500 (health centre), cost: $ 6.500.000, completed: July 1997
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