State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment, Melbourne Queen’s Hall Building, Shortlist, Architect
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment
New Civic Building in Melbourne, Parliament House, VIC, Australia Design Contest: Architects Shortlist
31 Mar 2017
Design unveiled for the State Library Victoria Vision 2020 redevelopment in Melbourne
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.
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Designs
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. Established in 1854, the public Library is Australia’s oldest and busiest, attracting 1.8 million visitors and 3.3 million online users each year.
Created as ‘the people’s university’ – a place of learning and discovery for all Victorians – the library is leading the preservation of the state’s heritage for future generations. Melbourne’s literary heritage and culture is internationally recognised and identified as one of UNESCO’s ‘Cities of Literature’.
The Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Architectus lead team supported by Andronas Conservation Architects, Irwin Consult and Steensen Varming Engineers will design all elements of the Vision 2020 redevelopment containing the restoration of the historic Queen’s Hall, reopening of the library’s Russell Street entrance and new spaces for early learning, digital media, entrepreneurship, exhibitions and events.
Schmidt Hammer Lassen brings a wealth of experience designing award-winning public libraries and cultural buildings around the world. Renowned for its democratic, open and accessible designs in projects such as Scandinavia’s largest public library, Dokk1 in Aarhus, Denmark, Halifax Central Library in Nova Scotia, Canada, Aberdeen University Library in the UK and the extension to the world renowned Royal Library in Copenhagen. Schmidt Hammer Lassen has an international portfolio of 15 library designs in Scandinavia, UK, North America, New Zealand and China.
“We incorporate new thinking in our cultural projects and develop ‘social space’ based on how society is progressing, always keeping people in focus allowing them to enjoy the richness in atmosphere and the diversity of experience they offer. We will work closely with the stakeholders and the local community to deliver a visionary project that combines the elements of the contemporary library with an impressive local heritage, unlocking the riches of the State Library collection for all Victorians and the global library community,” said Founding Partner Morten Schmidt, who will be leading the design team.
The State Library Victoria embarked on its Vision 2020 project last year and is excited about the selected team of architects:
“The Architectus and Schmidt Hammer Lassen partnership combines strong local experience with expertise and insights into world-leading international library design. These are some of the best designers of public library buildings in the world and their work at the Library will be exciting and visionary – adding to the legacy of great design that has built the Library over 160 years,” said State Library CEO, Kate Torney.
This marks the second major collaboration between Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Architectus. The two firms are currently working on the design of the new Christchurch Central Library in New Zealand, which when completed in 2018 will be one of the first cultural anchor projects outlined in the Recovery Plan for the city after the damaging earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.
Design concepts for the Vision 2020 redevelopment project will be released later this year with construction due to begin in 2017 and completion by 2020.
For further information about the State Library Victoria: http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment – Building Information
Architects:
Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Architectus
Andronas Conservation Architects
Engineers:
Irwin Consult
Steensen Varming Engineers
Client:
State Library Victoria
Competition:
2016, winner of tender, international competition
Area:
17,257 m2
Status:
Construction 2017-2019
Photos:
Jeremy Foo
schmidt hammer lassen architects
24 Dec 2015
State Library of Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment News
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, they are:
• 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.
The redevelopment includes the restoration of the historic Queen’s Hall, reopening the library’s Russell Street entrance, an e-Town Hall and new spaces for early learning, digital media, entrepreneurship and exhibitions.
The Victorian Government has contributed $55.4 million to the project, with the balance being supported by philanthropic partners.
Design teams were evaluated on their experience in projects of a similar scale and complexity; track record of design excellence; knowledge of world’s best practice in the refurbishment of heritage buildings and understanding of the latest innovations in major cultural institutions.
One of Victoria’s oldest public institutions, State Library Victoria provides a wide range of services, programs and experiences to around 1.8m visitors each year.
A Request for Tender will be released to the shortlisted teams early in the new year with the successful team expected to be announced in March 2016. Construction is due to begin in 2017.
The Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said:
“A centrepiece of our education – and creative – state, the State Library Victoria Vision 2020 project will celebrate the building’s magnificent heritage and return significant spaces to public use.”
“It will firmly position Australia’s oldest and busiest public library as a contemporary centre of knowledge, inspiration and innovation.”
“We are delighted with the strong interest from designers, both here and around the world, who were attracted by the significance of the project and its importance to the people of Victoria.”
State Library CEO Kate Torney said:
“I am tremendously excited by the calibre of the shortlisted design teams. Each has demonstrated their capacity to bring a project of this scale and significance to fruition.”
“We now look forward to assessing their tenders and announcing the successful team in the new year.”
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.
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
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