Size/ 13,532 m²
Competition/ 2016, winner of tender, international competition
Status/ Completed 2019
Client/ State Library Victoria (SLV)
In Association/ Architectus
Consultants/ Andronas Conservation Architects/ Irwinconsult/ Steensen Varming/ Arup/ McKenzie Group Consulting/ Salus/ ID Lab
Awards/ AIA IR 2020 Merit Award for Open International Architecture/ AIA IR 2020 Sustainable Future Award/ Commendation for Public Architecture at the 2020 Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards/ Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter Awards 2020 in the Heritage – Conservation and Public architecture categories/ Melbourne Prize 2020/ Unique Event Venue 2019 at The National Meetings & Events Australia Awards (MEA National Awards)/ Victorian Tourism Awards 2019 in the Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers category
Photo/ Trevor Mein/ Brett Boardman
State Library Victoria, Australia’s oldest and largest public library has officially reopened its doors to the public, revealing an extensively transformed library. The newly designed spaces are part of a five-year redevelopment plan aimed at expanding the library’s community outreach and enhancing the visitor experience. Working in partnership, Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Architectus were tasked with rethinking and revitalising the existing spaces of the library in order to unlock possibilities, create connections, and provide a framework for the library’s ongoing and future evolution.