Library Buildings around the World

Arthouse Architecture Ltd., Nelson – New Zealand
http://www.arthousearchitecture.co.nz
Libraries:
Elmar Turner Library Extension, Nelson – New Zealand 2005
In 1994 Upstream Design Group carried out an extremely successful conversion of a car show room into a new library for the city of
Nelson. In 2004 the original designers, now being part of Arthouse Architecture Ltd, were asked to carry through with the next stage
of expansion for the library. It was decided to extend in a northerly direction with a new roof form which could address the Maitai
river frontage in a dynamic way. A bright red weatherboard block punctuates the change in form. 600 m2 of new building was
provided with improved seating area for patrons, improved circulation, children's area, activity room, new computer teaching space
and research room, and more extensive work areas for the staff. Glass screens to the computer area, stainless steel power poles and
blocks of coloured flooring and walls break up the space. The new pitched ceiling reaches out towards the river and by freeing up
more space the internal views of the atrium garden and upwards through the original clerestoreys are able to be appreciated again.
The low energy systems developed in the original design have been carried through in the extension with natural lighting and
ventilation once again being utilised. (Arthouse)
Irving Smith Jack Architects, Nelson – New Zealand
http://www.isjarchitects.co.nz
Libraries:
Whakatane Library & Exhibition Centre, Whakatane – New Zealand 2012
Completed 2012
Awards:
NZIA Waikato Bay of Plenty Architecture Award 2012 (Sustainable Architecture)
NZIA Waikato Bay of Plenty Architecture Award 2012 (Public Architecture)
Literature:
Architecture NZ, Jan/February 2013 pg 59-64
Following recent development of new commercial outlets away from Whakatane’s town centre, Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi :
Whakatane Library & Exhibition Centre relocates public facilities back into the centre to revitalize an area of big box retail and
carparking left devoid of urban life.
Library, museum and gallery facilities are placed within an abandoned large scale retail space, reinvented to provide meaningful
and effective public architecture for the people of Whakatane. Irving Smith Jack Architects won a design competition for this civic
reinvention, with an architecture explored and subsequently developed through research and consideration of how an existing ‘big
box’’ can be reconnected back to public use, and to encourage greater library participation within a Provincial community. (Irving)
Warren and Mahoney, Auckland – New Zealand
http://www.warrenandmahoney.com
Libraries:
National Library of New Zealand, Wellington – New Zealand in design
The National Library has announced an extensive building redevelopment in Wellington in concert with leading architectural
practice Warren and Mahoney. Work on the building is expected to start towards the end of 2009 and be completed by late 2011.
"The New Generation National Library of New Zealand will be a library that never sleeps. A place where access to New Zealand's
documentary heritage inspires new ideas and leads to the creation of new stories and knowledge. A library for all New Zealanders to
connect with, wherever they are." Penny Carnaby, National Librarian and Chief Executive
Prime Minister Helen Clark and the Minister Responsible for the National Library, Judith Tizard, announced today a major
investment in the redevelopment of the National Library of New Zealand. The redevelopment project involves capital spending of
$69 million over five years (of which $18 million has been previously allocated), with the project due for completion in late 2011.
"The redevelopment will open up and expand the building, making its valuable heritage collections more accessible to the public,
and creating almost 4000m² of additional storage and exhibition space," Helen Clark said.
"The National Library's collections are estimated to be worth $1billion. They include material such as journals and notebooks of
Katherine Mansfield, Sir Apirana Ngata's papers, and a diverse range of books, cartoons, paintings, photographs, and sound
recordings. It also houses the Alexander Turnbull Library.
This development is a major milestone in the history of the National Library. A 21st century library for the digital age will be
created," Helen Clark said.
The redevelopment will provide controlled storage environments, which meet international preservation standards for collections,
and will enhance research space and facilities.
"The Library's collections are the nation's richest and most valuable heritage collections, as well as being a vibrant hub of
contemporary knowledge. They deserve our attention and investment in how they are preserved and presented," Judith Tizard said.
"The redeveloped Molesworth Street building will be built on the existing structure. It will maximise use of public space in the
parliamentary precinct, add space for exhibitions and digital services, and incorporate environmental sustainability features,"
Judith Tizard said.
Work on the building is planned to start towards the end of 2009 and be complete by the end of 2011. The National Library will
ensure that its collections continue to be available during the redevelopment.
Design objectives for the building redevelopment
* Increase the level of accessibility of the building and its contents to New Zealanders and the international community
* Increase the quantity and quality of archival space, allowing greater capacity for the building to protect and preserve valuable
collections
* Increase the building's internal legibility
* Increase the visibility of and access to the Alexander Turnbull Library
* Recognise the place of Māori and New Zealand's place in the Pacific and the world
* Use an environmentally sustainable design.
Features of the building redevelopment
* More exhibition and collections space, with an additional 3965m2 of space
* Updated controlled storage environments that meet international preservation standards
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