Library Buildings around the World

ECU Library is brought to life through the latest technology and architectural design The ECU Library Building creates a new
student and campus gateway hub and public domain for the campus, open and welcoming and providing a vibrant and diverse set of
spaces for all users on a 24/7 basis (in some areas at this time). It recognises the many varied needs of its users and also embraces
different ways of studying and learning, i.e. full time, part time, remote, group, individual, etc. This is a new generation library, as
much a place to meet, share a coffee and a snack, buy a book or quietly read. It provides an integrated courtyard and features a full
range of the latest technology as well as providing access to printed material, a coffee shop and a book shop. It is fresh, full of natural
light and a living building. Built on a sloping site (4m gradient) on the west side of the campus, the building creates a new entry to
the campus and brings together 4 major axes which cross in the centre of its foyer, located on level 2. The foyer level is the middle
level of the library which has one level above and one below. The 4th level of the building is occupied by the directorate, IT services
and an area for library expansion currently occupied by offices. The building is very carefully designed to exclude all direct sunlight
whilst maximising the amount of natural light. The coloured aluminium fins play a 100% practical role while also creating a sensual
and ephemeral skin. Colours are derived from pixilation of the green/blue of the bush of the area. The three fin colours mix to create
a myriad of combinations and at the end of a summer’s day the colours change to orange like the beautiful orange which ends all
Australian days. Other interior and exterior colours are derived from the colours of native flowers of the region with the purple
representing the Geraldton wax. A close interdisciplinary, architect, client and builder team relationship has created a wonderful,
sustainable and high quality building that was procured in an amazing time of just over two years (in tie for the closing of the
Churchlands Campus) and on budget even within a very volatile climate within the construction industry. For the Client and its
users the building represents exceptional quality and value for money both in its capital costs and its life cycle costings which were
analysed throughout the design process. For the community, the library provides another facility for the people of Joondalup.
(http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com)
Curtin University, Miri, Sarawak – Malaysia 1999 – 2001
In association with United Consultants, Malaysia)
The masterplan for the Miri campus describes a multi-use precinct inclusive of educational facilities and residential
accommodation set against thriving tropical gardens and a lake. A joint venture between Curtin University in Perth and the
Malaysian Government, the campus in Miri, Sawarak provides quality education to local residents as an alternative to
studying about in Australia. Stage One is a sophisticated blend of Curtin University´s red brick architecture with Sawarak´s
traditional longhouse forms. This juxtaposition creates a vibrant blend of administration offices, library, student and staff
facilities, lecture theatres, laboratories, and general teching areas in a lush tropical garden environment. (jcy)
Kirkbride Boyce Architects, Norwood (Adelaide) SA – Australia
http://www.kbarchitects.com.au
Libraries:
Port Pirie Community Library, Port Pirie, SA – Australia 2011
A new community library in South Australian city of Port Pirie has now been completed, enveloping the country’s longest single
railway platform into its design. Composed by local practice Kirkbride Boyce Architects working with engineers Meinhardt, the
public facility features large glass panels – no two equal in size or shape – in an effort to enhance natural daylighting and develop a
relationship between inside and outside space. The main design challenge on this project was the incorporation of a railway platform
into the development space. Andrew Kirkbride, Principal at Kirkbride Architects explains: “Keeping the platform meant building
an 80m long façade. Creating interest over such length was a real challenge and the inspiration came from the curving, lineal nature
of the Flinders Ranges that not only form the backdrop for the town but also the new library.” Double glazed, high performance
glass dominates the public-facing wall, with a curved roof overhang to protect the interior space from severe summer sunlight.
Engineers Meinhardt took care to optimise internal conditions for those using the facility, as Bob Ellis, General Manager for
Meinhardt South Australia reveals: “By using computer modelling during the early stages of the new Port Pirie Library project we
were able to validate and optimise the air conditioning design. “The air conditioning system performs flawlessly in temperatures
above 40˚C. The air distribution system has been designed for low noise and high quality diffused air, to eliminate drafts and ensure
good air circulation in both summer and winter. The grilles produce what’s known as a coanda effect, forming rotational
symmetrical radial jets which supply the air with high turbulence and a large induction effect. The result is high quality, even and
draft free indoor air flows.” The majority of spaces within the complex are designed to be extremely flexible by minimising
circulation routes, providing clear signage and sightlines, and ensuring that the western circulation corridor can also be used as a
display gallery, quiet seating area and social meeting spot. (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com)
Lacoste + Stevenson Architecture + Urban Design, Sydney NSW – Australia
http://lacostestevenson.com.au/website/
Libraries :
Sydney City Library, Customs House, Relocation, Sydney, NSW – Australia 2005
Customs House is one of Sydney's historic landmark buildings, which has featured in the working and cultural life of the city since it
was constructed in 1845.
The driving force behind the construction of the original sandstone edifice on Circular Quay was Colonel John George Nathaniel
Gibbes, the Collector of Customs for New South Wales for a record term of 25 years from 1834 to 1859. Colonel Gibbes persuaded
the Governor of New South Wales, Sir George Gipps, to begin construction of the Customs House in 1844 in response to Sydney's
growing volume of maritime trade. The building project also doubled as an unemployment relief measure for stonemasons and
laborers during an economic depression which was afflicting the colony at the time.
The two-storey Georgian structure was designed by Mortimer Lewis (* 1796 London - + 09.03.1879 Sydney) and featured 13 large
and expensive windows in the facade to afford a clear view of shipping activity in Sydney Cove. Colonel Gibbes, who dwelt opposite
Circular Quay on Kirribilli Point, was able to watch progress on the Customs House's construction from the verandah of his private
residence, Wotonga House (now Admiralty House).
The Customs House opened for business in 1845
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_House,_Sydney)
Client: City of Sydney, Architect: Lacoste + Stevenson in association with PTW and Tanner Architects, Completion: June 2005,
Costs: $ 6.500.000
The City of Sydney Library is relocating to Customs House, CircularQuay. Customs House is one of Sydney´s finest colonial
buildings. The new use of the building, combined with its central location creates a new public interior space in the heart Sydney.
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