17.12.2019 Duy Mac

An Exercise in Contrasts: State Library Victoria by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and Architectus

Foto: Trevor Mein

The State Library Victoria, Australia’s oldest and largest public library, has officially reopened its doors to the public in Melbourne. After a comprehensive transformation by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and Architectus, the redesigned spaces are the result of a five-year renovation plan that aimed to create an open, accessible experience for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, according to Ruth Wilson, Principal and Melbourne Studio Leader at Architectus.

The main idea behind the concept was to connect the historical library rooms with contemporary architectural narratives. Elif Tinaztepe, a partner at Schmidt Hammer Lassen, calls it “an exercise in contrasts”. Clear spatial divisions with physical as well as visual zones break through the once-fragmented existing structures of the State Library Victoria.

The heart of the new design centred on the Victoria Gallery, the Russell Street entrance, the library courtyard, the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter, the Isabella Fraser Room and, in particular, the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, which has again been made accessible after 16 years.

Photo: Trevor Mein

Photo: Trevor Mein

Photo: Trevor Mein

Photo: Trevor Mein

Photo: Trevor Mein

Photo: Trevor Mein

Photo: Trevor Mein

Photo: Trevor Mein

Photo: Trevor Mein

Photo: Trevor Mein

Diagram: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects und Architectus

Further information: 

Consultants

Andronas Conservation Architects

Irwinconsult

Steensen Varming

Arup

McKenzie Group Consulting

Salus

ID Lab

Building Area

13,532 m2

https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/1/3/1303077600_433_500_283.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_teaser-gross.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_teaser-klein.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_04.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_03.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_01.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_02.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_05.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_06.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_08.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_07.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_10.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_09.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image https://detail-cdn.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/catalog/product/S/c/Schmidt_Hammer_Lassen_Architects_State_Library_Victoria_Diagram.jpg?width=437&height=582&store=de_en&image-type=image
Please enter your email address below to receive a password reset link.
Mandatory fields
or
Copyright © 2024 DETAIL. All rights reserved.