State Library Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment

The design puts users at the centre, providing an open, accessible, and welcoming experience for all ages and cultural backgrounds.

All restoration works were based on a firm philosophy of revealing the heritage aspects of the building, rather than replicating them. Each space is relieved of years of clutter and additions to reveal the originally intended volume and details. New air handling systems, lighting, equal access and acoustic treatments are carefully and almost invisibly integrated into existing building fabric. New intervention such as stairs, lifts, joinery, fixtures and fittings are intentionally contemporary and cannot be confused with the original fabric.

The redevelopment draws visitors through a clear hierarchy of thresholds and spaces, connecting the various zones of the library physically and visually, engendering a sense of discovery and delight.

The redevelopment presents a lesson in refinement, stripping back to enhance the existing, while introducing new understated additions that let the story of the historic building come to the fore. The transformation makes everyone feel welcome, no matter who they are, where they’re from or what they’re doing. Each space has a distinct ambiance and the ability to be configured to support a wide range of programs, activities and events. The adaptable, inviting design, along with the way in which the spaces flow together, intuitively encourages visitors to explore and engage with all the Library has to offer.

To minimise embodied energy in new materials and building construction, the design team worked intently to retain any building fabric with residual life, embracing not only the heritage aspects but also elements with dated 1980’s and 90’s aesthetics which may have otherwise been jettisoned. A project-specific sustainability framework focussed initiatives around maximising occupant comfort, minimising energy and water use, limiting pollutants and creating long-life, adaptable and reconfigurable spaces. The Bauer Optimising System was chosen for the historic Ian Potter Queens Hall; a patented control algorithm creates a non-directed chaotic airflow, achieving 30% energy saving, limited ductwork and very quiet supply.

The transformation:

• Provides International Gallery conditions in the Victoria Gallery allowing the rarest collections to be exhibited
• Reopens the Russell Street entry after over a decade closed, creating the through-block connection between Swanston Street and Russell Street and activating Russell Street
• Creates a universally accessible entrance on La Trobe Street
• Enables a multitude of library spaces to be programmed for events, serviced by a new state of the art commercial kitchen and audio-visual systems, underpinning the library’s financial sustainability and increasing use
• Enables two-way streaming to regional Victoria (and other locations) connecting communities digitally