Library Buildings around the World

The redevelopment of the Library aimed to bring it into the 21st century with the creation of technology rich learning environments
of various formats to bring North Queensland University education to the forefront of developments in Tertiary education.
Design Innovation
The redevelopment will create learning and research environments that build on the advantages of electronic data access and the
trend to shared and interactive learning.
The redevelopment includes student “commons” which give up to 24 hour access to students to study for study and research with
computer and data access as well as study booths and reading areas that support group learning and research. (Brewster)
Ashfield Civic Centre, Sydney-Ashfield, NSW – Australia 2011
Costs: $ 15.500.000
Ashfield Civic Centre is a revitalisation of the Ashfield Town Centre led by Ashfield Council with the creation of a new Civic Centre
and Public Library on the site of the old Ashfield Council Offices.
The redevelopment of the site includes the 2 original council buildings, and a new 3 level building which integrates all levels of the
facility via new lifts and a 3 storey atrium. Facilities include a new Public Library of approximately 2,000m2, modern customer
services facilities housed in a grand public foyer, new public meeting rooms for 200, as well as Youth Centre, Early Childhood
Centre, Council Offices, and an upgraded Town Hall with the seating capacity for 300.
Design Innovation
The design of the new Civic Centre extends the benefits of co-location of council facilities by providing a seamless connection to all
facilities. The Public Access to all of the facilities are provided within an open and united space where it is possible to speak to
council officers, return library material, attend a public meeting or access community services at the one address. Multiple access
points are provided from Liverpool Road, the adjacent retail mall and public carparking facilities.
By using electronic book tagging, security is limited to the building perimeter only with the public free to move between facilities in
the Centre. The Centre has the feel of a modern department store where services may be accessed electronically, through self service
points or by open contact with council staff. The library facilities include for IT access to the public throughout the facility with no
separation between the physical collection and electronic services. Checkout and return can be done completely independently of
library staff, freeing staff to provide individualised service to users in accessing the collection.
Council offices have been amalgamated onto a single level with an open plan design providing for ease of access of staff with
extensive meeting rooms and informed meeting spaces creating a relaxed and interactive environment. (Brewster)
Cooroy Library and Digital Hub, Cooroy, QLD – Australia 2010
Physical Size: 1,650 m², Cost: $ 8.500.000, Completed: September 2010
The Cooroy Library and Digital Information Hub was developed as part of Mill Place Master Plan for Cooroy, which created a new
vibrant link between the existing Art gallery, housed in the Butter Factory Building, and the upgraded rural industry areas, vacated
by the closing of the local Mill Place timber mill.
The new Library and Digital Hub creates a bridge between the Butter factory Art Gallery and the main city street, opening up to the
recreational park created within the site of the Mill Place timber Mill. The link has been achieved by digging the new library in into
the existing slope, bridging level difference of 6 m between the Art Gallery and the recreational park.
The building includes a large new public library design for the Cooroy community and capturing the larger community living in the
hinterlands surrounding Cooroy. The library incudes a technology rich hub, with digital training rooms, community rooms,
community lounge, reading areas and café that can open onto a large covered verandah visually and physically connection it to the
recreational park.
Building Form
The building was designed a two curved opposed pavilions. The western pavilion is dug into the slope of the site, and is covered by an
earth sheltered grass roof. The grassed roof provides the setting link to the art gallery, and extends the grounds and the park and the
gallery. A prominent sculpture has been place at a pivotal junction between the library and the art gallery to unite the creative,
cultural and recreation precinct created.
To the east, the library opens to a sunken internal courtyard, edged by a large stonewall, providing much needed cooling in the
summer from the stone mass and shading.
To the north the eastern pavilion sours out of the ground, with a beacon lantern positioned at the junction between the two pavilions.
The lantern beings in southern diffused daylight into the library, and provides high internal cathedral space where community
lounge, café, and reading areas are located. The form of the lantern has been designed with prominent angled elements, continuing
the sculptural form and connection to the site. (Brewster)
Yepoon Library, Yepoon, QLD – Australia 2009 -
Physical Size: 1.750 m², Cost: $ 6.500.000, Completed: Stage 1 2009
New Central Library of 1750 m2 located in the town’s central park. The Library incorporates an active lending collection based on a
bookstore principle with an internal/external café. The building is designed to be occupied in stages over the next 10 years
Rockhampton Library, Rockhampton, QLD – Australia 2009
Client: Rockhampton Regional Council.
New Regional library of approx 2,500m2 incorporating a café, exhibition area, large auditorium youth library, and business services
centre. The new building links to the heritage school of arts building which is to be upgraded as Council offices and to the existing
library building, which will be returned as stack. Together with our Graphic Design Team, BHA developed a river theme,
incorporating Rockhampton's high flood mark by hanging bright red buoys at the water level and the quintessential "river tinny"
from the roof. In keeping with the local theme, a feature of the library is the "faces" wall, which incorporated images of significant
writers who originate from the region. (There have been quite a few well-known names!) The wall creates a historical feature, one
that the region is very proud to share. (Brewster)
Ingleburn Library, Ingleburn (Sydney), NSW – Australia 2008
Physical Size: 2,150 m², Ccost/Budget: $ 9.500.000, Client: Campbelltown City Council.
The new Library and Community Centre for the Campbelltown Council incorporates the heritage School of Arts Building, which is
to become the central Gallery Foyer. A flexible auditorium to seat up to 300 people as well as a number of smaller activity rooms
located off the central gallery. Designed with a line which bends smoothly over the roof and the curved walls. This curved geometry
extends into the landscaping. The internal trees extend into the exterior parkland to carry the indoor/ outdoor theme. Both the
Library and Community Centre are arranged to address the existing community parkland that is to include a complex child’s
playground, formal park and amphitheatre. The facility is designed as a 4.5 ABGR facility with complex energy systems including a
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