State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment, Melbourne Queen’s Hall Building Design, Architect
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Designs
Melbourne Civic Building Renewal, VIC, Australia by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and local partners Architectus
31 Mar 2017
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 in Melbourne
Design unveiled for the State Library Victoria Vision 2020 redevelopment in Melbourne, Australia
Design: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects / Architectus / Andronas Conservation Architects
On 30th March 2017, the State Library Victoria in Melbourne unveiled the designs for its forthcoming $88.1 million redevelopment plan, Vision 2020. The plan will return 40% more space to public use, transforming the library to meet current and future needs.
Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and local partners Architectus and Andronas Conservation Architects have created the new contemporary design that aims to unlock possibilities, create connections and act as a framework for the Library’s ongoing and future evolution.
As the oldest and busiest public library in Australia, attracting 1.9 million visitors and more than 4 million online users each year, State Library Victoria is a rich and celebrated cultural institution in Melbourne utilised by a broad cross-section of users.
The architectural design concept puts these users at its centre, providing an open, accessible and welcoming experience for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. During the design process a series of co-creation workshops were held to engage users directly. Input and feedback from children, teens and their families have helped the design team to understand the future user needs. That valuable feedback will translate into the creation of their dream library.
“Our goal is to create spaces that foster learning, exploration and innovation, expanding the Library’s reach and relevance and transforming this popular landmark into a true urban hub – a place where people in Melbourne naturally gravitate to in order to engage, learn, socialize and be inspired,” says Founding Partner Morten Schmidt.
The new design unlocks physical aspects of the Library in order to expand its functionality. While spaces like the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall and Galleries are literally “unlocked” and released to the public, the Trescowthick Information Centre (TIC) and the Courtyards have been redesigned to bring their architectural and functional potential to life.
“We are stripping off the layers and revealing the original architecture, of which we are being very respectful, so that State Library Victoria can continue to function as a modern library”.
New and engaging spaces for children, families and youth will be created to nurture creative learning, literacy and play. The design also includes new technology-enabled spaces for entrepreneurship and innovation to support and stimulate the creative economy.
The design concept further enhances the permeability and navigability of the Library site by creating a sense of arrival and clear hierarchy of thresholds and spaces, connecting the different zones of the Library physically and visually. This will ensure visitors are aware of what the Library offers and can more easily explore the impressive collections. “We are increasing the use of the building through reassessment and flexible building strategies”. The architectural interventions highlight the inherent qualities of this cherished institution while inviting the visitors to experience a range of spaces with different atmospheres and uses.
The Library is over 160 years old, and the various renovations the building has undergone are characterized by distinct styles and approaches. “Our concept provides a strong ‘design line’ that will act as a framework to guide present and future works,” concludes Morten Schmidt.
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Melbourne – Building Information
Architects: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Architectus, Andronas Conservation Architects
Client: Major Projects Victoria (MPV), State Library Victoria (SLV)
Area: 13,532 m2
Competition: 2016, winner of tender, international competition
Engineers: Irwin Consult, Steensen Varming, Arup
Other consultants: ID Lab, McKenzie Group, Salus
Status: Construction starts 2017 and is expected to conclude in 2020
27 Apr 2016
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 redevelopment in Melbourne
Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and Architectus Win State Library Vision 2020 Project
Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and Architectus selected to design the $83.1 million State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 redevelopment in Melbourne, Australia
The iconic State Library of Victoria has selected the team of schmidt hammer lassen and Architectus to design a significant redevelopment project that will transform the State Library of Victoria to meet the current and future needs of the community.
24 Dec 2015
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment
Design teams shortlisted for $83.1M State Library Vision 2020 project
A shortlist of four architectural design teams have been invited to tender for the $83.1 million State Library Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment Project.
The four shortlisted consortia feature local and international expertise and were selected from a strong field of Expressions of Interest.
Shortlisted Architects:
• Architectus/Schmidt Hammer Lassen supported by Andronas Conservation Architects, Irwin Consult and Steensen Varming Engineers.
• Ashton Raggatt McDougall supported by Bryce Raworth Heritage Architects, Bonacci Group and Norman Disney & Young Engineers.
• Conrad Gargett/Lyons supported by Bonacci Group and Norman Disney & Young Engineers.
• Hassell supported by Purcell Heritage Architects and AECOM Engineers.
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment images / information received 21+18/12/15
Queen’s Hall is located on Level 1 of Parliament House and is one of Melbourne’s most prestigious function and event venues.
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Designs
schmidt hammer lassen architects
Opened: 1856
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
Address: The State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone: +61 3 8664 7000
Location: Queen’s Hall, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Architecture in Melbourne
Melbourne Architecture Designs – chronological list
Melbourne Architecture Walking Tours
Melbourne Architect Offices – design studio listings
Melbourne Buildings
388 William Street
Architects: Elenberg Fraser
image : Pointilism
388 William Street Offices and Hotel
The world is in flux. Barriers and boundaries that defined us? Gone. The spaces we inhabit need a dramatic rethink.
Luminary Apartments, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Victoria
Design: Plus Architecture
image : Tom Roe
Luminary Apartment Building in Hawthorn
Dramatic design meets luxury and sophistication at this property – a distinctive arrival in Hawthorn and a defining presence on a prominent site in this prestigious Melbourne suburb. The residential complex comprises twenty generously-sized apartments and four penthouses.
The Yardmaster’s Building
Design: McBride Charles Ryan Architects
The Yardmaster’s Building
Southern Cross Station Expansion, Melbourne, Australia
Design: Grimshaw Jackson Joint Venture
Southern Cross Station Building in Melbourne
Comments / photos for the State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Designs page welcome
