Library Buildings around the World

Haskell Architects, Melbourne, VIC – Australia
http://www.haskell.com.au
Libraries:
Altona North Community Library, Melbourne-Altona North, VIC – Australia 2010
October 12, 2011
Stephen Crafti
This is not your normal library, with an open plan and much less formal atmosphere
…
The library, on the corner of Millers and McArthurs roads, inspired the architects to take their cue from the shape of nearby oil
refineries, many of which are slowly disappearing from the area. Circular motifs are embedded in the library's precast concrete
panels, as are circular windows. Haskell used Alucabond to clad the building, with striations of bright yellow. ''Yellow is featured on
the pelican's beak which forms part of the Hobsons Bay logo,'' Haskell says. ''Yellow also links to some of the other buildings we've
designed in the area, such as the Altona Meadows Library.''
The northern elevation of the library was not only designed to create a presence, but also for sun protection. Haskell Architects
angled this facade to protect the glazed windows and doors. And although not obvious from first inspection, this facade was designed
like a stack of book, some with their ''ends chewed off'''.
While the northern facade is relatively transparent, the western facade, which includes the entrance, is almost entirely finished in
concrete with embossed circular motifs. And to protect the double-height glazed walled entrance, Haskell Architects designed an
eight-metre-long ''chunky'' canopy. Clad in Alucabond, it appears to defy gravity. ''We wanted to create a sense of arrival. But we
also wanted to protect the interior from the western sun,'' Haskell says.
An irregular-shaped courtyard in the centre of the library provides for a more protected outdoor environment. ''We wanted to bring
light into the centre of the building. But we also wanted a place where students could come together outdoors,'' says Haskell, who
included chairs and tables in this courtyard. Unlike many libraries, this one includes a cafe, servicing indoor and outdoor seating
areas. ''Cafes are becoming more popular in places such as libraries. But they're still fairly limited,'' he says.
With the courtyard in the centre of the building, spaces are loosely arranged around this point. On the northern side is the main
library, with a variety of ceiling types, heights and angles. Part of the ceiling features acoustic panels.
''We wanted to animate the spaces, as well as offer different environments. Some people prefer to be in a more compressed space,
while others like something more voluminous,'' Haskell says. Unlike traditional libraries featuring orderly rows of bookshelves and
seating, the furniture in the Altona North Library is considerably less formal in arrangement. As well as bookshelves seemingly
haphazardly arranged, there are arm chairs and tables. And to complement the open plan there are enclosed study areas, with glass
walls and a coral-style arrangement. On the other side of the building are meeting rooms used by the community at large.
…
(http://www.smh.com.au/business/altona-north-library-design-one-for-the-books-20111011-1livh.html)
http://www.smh.com.au/business/altona-north-library-design-one-for-the-books-20111011-1livh.html#ixzz2OdjbZn
Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, Melbourne-Altona Meadows, VIV - Australia 2006
$ 4.500.000
The library is sited in a shopping centre car park. Along with the provision of normal library facilities, a community centre is
integrated within the building to maximise flexibility and minimise duplication. The project involves a complex integration of a steel
structural system with a requirement to meet a tight institutional budget. (Haskell)
Completed in early 2006 the $4.5m Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre was delivered on time and to a very tight budget
under a lump sum contract. The new facility is located on a carpark adjacent to the Central Square Shopping Centre and acts as
both a library and meeting place for members of the local community. The building has a structural steel frame and is clad with a
curtain wall façade with a dynamic roof and wall cladding design comprising colourbond steel. The curved corrugated iron roof and
steel structure forms the shape of the building and internal precast feature walls using exposed aggregate line the main hall and rear
façade. The centre accommodates a large collection of electronic and print resources, internet lounge, up-to-date information Altona
North library design: one for the books
Extechnology training centre, several meeting rooms, and the traditional quiet study areas associated with a place of learning, and
dedicated areas for children and young adults’ activities.
Completed in early 2006 the $4.5m Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre was delivered on time and to a very tight budget
under a lump sum contract.
(http://www.kaneconstructions.com.au)
Conceptual Framework The Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre (AMLLC) combine the original Altona Meadows
Library and the Altona Meadows Community House. The Centre had to be:
• a contemporary library serving far more than a reference facility to books and journals
• a hub of community services ranging from cooking, computer and art classes to counseling and support services
• the latest in library and community building technology and would attract patrons of all ages from all sectors. Public and Cultural
Benefits The original library was housed in a dark retail tenancy and the community centre in cramped relocatable buildings.
…..
(http://www.architecture.com.au/gallery/cgi-bin/awardssearch)
Peter Hunt Architect, West Perth, WA – Australia
http://www.peterhunt.com.au
Libraries:
Bunbury Library and Smart Building, Bunbury (Perth), WA – Australia 2009
Costs: $ 8.500.500
Awards:
RAIA Design Commendation
The building comprises of a 1.500 m² state of the art library for the City of Bunbury on the upper level with non government tenancy
space of approximately 600 m² on the lover level… (Hunt)
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