Library Buildings around the World

as planning set-off points. Walls have two layers that provide depth and reduce sun heat build up, while also allowing cool air to rise
through the skins and cool the building naturally. A bonus is that the library remains transparent from outside, and inviting; and
from inside, people can associate with the neighbourhood. So the story unfolds of a barn of a place with translucent walls, all planned
using historical information. It is in the language of the detailing that we realise fully the architects' intentions: eventually, we
comprehend the story. Garner Davis exploits modernity in the detail. They use perforated metals, seamless glass, modest steel frames
and an almost-all-white palette. There are sheets of glass, some clear some partially white, and abstract open spaces inside and out.
Corners and edges of walls are uncomplicated by trims, beads, cover plates and architraves: it is clear, clean expression. A terrace
with a metal sunshade roof has the qualities of Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Pavilion - a study in abstract reduction - and internal
joinery is spare, sculptural and understated, like so many words arranged on a printed page. External walls seem to evolve from
their smallest part, so the "word" is the "novel", and ceilings are sculptured so they create a second interval in the architecture, a
sub-plot if you like, that allows for an expression of light and space that is additional and supportive of the main story line. In
summary: well worth the read. (http://www.theage.com.au – Norman Day, 23.05.05)
Group GSA, Sydney, NSW – Australia
http://www.groupgsa.com
Waurn Ponds Library, Waurn Ponds (Geelong), VIC – Australia 2011
see: Whitefield, McQueen, Irwin Alsop http://archive.wmia.com.au
Client: City of Greater Geelong, $ 5.300.000, 1.000m²
A new library and community hub of Waurn Ponds on the outskirsts of Victoria in south-east Australia by WMIA. A steel lasercutsolar
skin perced with holes in a range of sizes was generated to wrap the building supplying the necessary solar protection and a
strong statement for the new library.
Entrance stairways have been replaced by timber boardwalk ramps and the repeated circular motif ensures a memorable image for
the facility´s visitors whilst retaining a sense of respect for the surrounding architecture and community amenities. The clean lines
and simple silhouette act in direct opposition to the swirling footprint of the established leisurelink centre and promote integration
for all userscregardless of age, gender or background. (Group)
Rouse Hill Community Centre and Library, Rouse Hill, NSW – Australia 2008
The development of the town centre concept and the architectural design was delivered by a consortium of three architectural firms
– Rice Daubney, Allen Jack+Cottler, and Group GSA.
Client: Lend Lease, Site Area: 54.000 m², Contract Value $ 9.000.000
In towns and cities, public space has traditionally served as a meeting place and taffic way. Enjoyable towns and cities find a
comfortable balance between these three demands, without forfelting their links with the natural world. The starting point for the
design of Rouse Hill Town Centre was adesire to achieve this balance, responding at the same time to the climatic environment of
Rouse Hill, and the principles of ecologically sustainable design. These principles did not result in a series of add-ons, but were
embedded in the design of the building forms themselves. Whilst maximising a feeling of openess within the public realm, the forms
control solar pentetration of the spaces between them, reducing shopfront heat loadings, and minimissing energy loadings. At the
same time, pedestrian amenity is ensured – there is always a shady route and the architecture responds directly to the climate. It has
all the facilities of a small town, including a shopping-centre ptecinct, commercial space, a nine-screen cinema complex, education,
library and community facilities, ahealth and medical centre, and godd transport links… (Group GSA)
West Footscray Library, Melbourne-Maribymong, VIC – Australia 2006
see: Whitefield, McQueen, Irwin Alsop http://archive.wmia.com.au
Client: City of Maribymong, Costs: $ 1.900.000
A new multi-purpose community facility and a first floor childcare centre in one of the melbourne´s most sociality diverse
neighbourhoods.