Library Buildings around the World

considerably exceeded the building envelope prescribed in the development conditions, particularly the height plane limit which had
been prescribed to maintain the integrity of the vista along the Axis. The solution was found by an encroachment of the building into
the Square. This was approved when it was demonstrated that the roof terrace connecting the Square and Vernon Circle contributed
a genuine bonus to the public realm and that the integrity of the highly regarded vista was preserved. The new two-storey building
provides an expanded foyer for the adjacent theatres, enhanced box office and patron amenities including additional toilets, bar and
catering facilities. Space for the relocated Library is provided at the level of Civic Square and under the Link. A long held criticism
of the Square has been its perceived lack of life – the asymmetrical form of the building allows continuity of use of the Square for
periodic large gatherings; and the glass frontages support the presence of activity in the Square itself. The conservation of the
sculpture Thespis, its relocation into the Link, and the incorporation of the new public art Fractal Weave at the head of the Square
are integral to the design and together with the adjacent buildings enhance the wider recognition of the Square as an arts precinct.
The design engages ecologically sensitive sustainable design strategies including selection of materials with low embodied energy,
provision for rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing, and roof-lights that provide filtered natural light to both levels. The building,
with its coloured glass sunshades, prominent axial staircase to Vernon Circle and City Hill beyond and its high level of lively public
use by both day and by night, is an eye-catching and valuable addition to this prominent and historically significant sector of central
Canberra. (BVN)
Library, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW – Australia 2000
The extension to the UTS Library make it the largest in the city centre and give the University's metropolitan campus a natural
palce for students to congregate. The changes, which have been meshed into the existing building via a new elevation to the west,
mean that the library is now spread over five levels, with two new multi-purpose levels for reading, shelves and student work spaces.
The stack is positioned in the middle of the library floor plate, with reading areas placed near the windows to offer natural light. A
wall of louvred windows cut out the western sun and allow light to filter through from the south. Circulation through the building
has been improved as a result of a new stairway which links the ground and upper levels. The entrance to the building has also been
re-designed so that it is prominent and easy to find, and includes the re-located loans/information desk. Work is underway to provide
easier thoroughfares from the library to other parts of the campus. The designers have also made allowances for future expansion:
additional shelf space has been factored in for Level 3 and 4. The floor plans for the UTS Haymarket Campus Library are large -
almost 3,000 sq.m. - which has assisted the transformation process. (BVN)
National Library of Australia, Executive Offices, Foyer and Mezzanine Refurbishment, Canberra, ACT –
Australia 1999
Awards:
2000 RAIA ACT Award
1999 MBA, Highly Commended Commercial Interior Award
1999 Wools of New Zealand, Highly Commended Award for Use of Wool
The National Library of Australia was opened in August of 1968 and since its completion has remained one of the National Capitals
most prominent buildings within the Parliamentary Triangle. The National Library's Chief Architect - Walter Bunning (*1912 -
+1977) stated that his aim was to design a building that was a contemporary derivation in the spirit of Classical Design. This phrase
was adopted for the concept for the refurbishment of the mezzanine level, including the new visitors desk in the foyer. The brief
called for a design that both acknowledged the existing architectural features displayed in the foyer while creating a timeless space
that took advantage of the prime location. The refurbishment essentially provides new executive offices for the National Library's
General Director and Deputy General. It was important to the client to open up the executive suite to encourage communication and
visual interaction between the executive staff and visitors to the National Library. The new Ferguson Room which operates as an
exhibition space for the Ferguson Collection and lecture room is accommodated on the opposite side of the Mezzanine to the
Executive Offices. The brief was extended to include the visitors reception desk in the main foyer. The new materials have been
selected to complement the existing elements within the foyer and mezzanine area, while injecting it with new life, reinventing it to
equal modern design ideals. The final result of the design is a space which succeeds in expressing the design language of the building
with a fresh interpretation, achieving a contemporary derivation of classical design, which will ensure for years to come. (BVN)
Collins Caddaye Architects, Canberra, ACT – Australia
http://www.collinscaddaye.com.au
Libraries:
Merici College Library + Classroom Refurbishment, Breddon, Canberra, ACT – Australia 2009
Merici College is a large Secondary Catholic Girls' school in Braddon ACT. The original school buildings date back to the 1960s and
they have been added to and changed constantly as the school's operational requirements have evolved. The existing school library
and administration areas were identified as in urgent need of expansion and modification. Collins Caddaye Architects were charged
with bringing this project from idea to reality and the new library and administration precinct at Merici College is the result. The
original accommodation was out of date, lacking in natural light and operationally inadequate. By making clever use of the existing
structure and by expanding to the north to create additional space and gain access to northern light, CCA have been able to
transform the old 1970s style accommodation into a vibrant, light, up-to-date facility that will meet the school's needs well into the
21st century. Intelligent use of materials and thoughtful landscaping has created an entirely new and consolidated address to the
school. The expanded library and administration areas now operate effectively and have added a dimension of joy and light to the
original dull and uninspiring building. The new works provide a sound aesthetic foundation on which future redevelopment of the
school can build. (http://www.architecture.au)
COX Architecture, Sydney NSW – Australia
Cox and Rayner Architects, Brisbane QLD – Australia
http://www.coxarchitcture.com.au
Libraries:
City Library, Melbourne, VIC – Australia 2005
The City Library, a joint venture between the CAE and the City of Melbourne as the first free lending library the CBD has seen in
decades, is an exciting development in the life of Melbourne, operated by Melbourne Library Service and provides a range of
services to CAE staff and learners as well as the workers and visitors to Melbourne. The rules of the traditional Library have been
challenged, the design responds in the following ways. The philosophy of the project was to rework the typology of library in order to
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