State Library Victoria
Client:
State Library Victoria
Location:
Melbourne, VIC
Status:
Completed Stage 1 2018; Completed 2 2019
Building Area:
13 532 sqm
In Association:
Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Contact Person:
Ruth Wilson
State Library Victoria is one of Melbourne’s most loved institutions. The Swanston Street landmark welcomes more than two million people every year, making it the busiest state library in Australia and the third most visited library in the world.
The 2020 Vision for the State Library Victoria has increased public space by 40% and seating by 70% and has returned the inimitable Ian Potter Queen’s Hall to Victorians after being closed for 15 years.
“State Library Victoria’s latest record-breaking streak is a testament to our Vision 2020 redevelopment delivering on its promises and more – we have never been busier, and it is clear that demand for what we provide has never been greater.”
State Library Victoria CEO Paul Duldig
The redevelopment provides a brand-new world-class exhibition gallery, Victoria Gallery, as well as a suite of new spaces including the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter, the Ideas Quarter, StartSpace and the Create Quarter.
Victoria’s State Library takes up a full city block and is actually 23 buildings that have evolved over the last 160 years. The design focuses on revealing rather than replicating the heritage elements of the Library, at the same time a consistent language for the new elements is created that will thread the spaces together to achieve a cohesive and satisfying visitor experience.
Spaces are stripped back to reveal their original beauty, literally peeling off layers of paint to expose the original 1860s paint scheme in Queens Hall, repairing the original timber floors and removing the clutter that has accumulated over the years. New elements are designed to stand the test of time with an enduring aesthetic, using timber and refined yet robust detailing.
Consultation was an enormous part of the design process. Over 200 sessions were held over the design period, beginning with hands-on workshops with staff to uncover their experiences and aspirations which were inspirational to the design team. Primary and secondary school children and young adults were engaged in a process of co-design which has shaped the design, with elements such as the Children’s Quarter “castle” evolving from children’s wishes to climb, hide and discover spaces described in their drawings of tree-houses, castles and spaceships.
This is the second collaboration between Architectus and the Copenhagen-based practice, Schmidt Hammer Lassen, having also designed the Christchurch New Central Library completed in 2018.
Client:
State Library Victoria
Location:
Melbourne, VIC
Status:
Completed Stage 1 2018; Completed 2 2019
Building Area:
13 532 sqm
In Association:
Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Contact Person:
Ruth Wilson
Awards
Property Council of Australia (PCA) National Innovation and Excellence Awards, Best Public Heritage Development, 2021
Property Council of Australia (PCA) National Innovation and Excellence Awards, Best Public Building, 2021
Melbourne Awards, Urban Design Award, 2021
Victorian Premier’s Design Award, Architectural Design Award, 2021
Australian Library Design Awards, National Exemplar Award, 2021
American Institute of Architects, International Region Design Awards, Open International Architecture Merit Award, 2020
American Institute of Architects, International Region Design Awards, Sustainable Future Award, 2020
Australian Institute of Architects National Awards, Commendation for Public Architecture, 2020
Australian Institute of Architects (VIC) Awards, The Melbourne Prize, 2020
Australian Institute of Architects (VIC) Awards, Public Architecture, 2020
Australian Institute of Architects (VIC) Awards, Heritage – Conservation, 2020
Key People
Ruth Wilson
Principal
CCO
Sector Leader Public
Melbourne
John Sprunt
Principal
Sector Leader Schools
Melbourne
Matthew Spinaze
Senior Associate
Melbourne
Andrew Schunke
Principal
Studio Leader
Adelaide
Simon Farr
Senior Associate
Melbourne
Jayden Peacock
Senior Associate
Melbourne