They are spaces for reading, study, inspiration and community – and they can also be sites of great architecture.
The best libraries in Australia have been recognized in the Australian Library Design Awards, announced at the Changing Spaces Library Design Conference on 18 March.
Organized by the Australian Library and Information Association, the awards celebrate innovation and excellence in contemporary library interiors and exteriors.
‘‘The award submissions showed an impressive array of innovative, creative and forward-thinking designs of new and refurbished libraries,” stated Janine Schmidt, judging panel chair. “Each of the winning, and commended, libraries represent some of the best architectural design in Australia.
“Each library prioritized user needs established through consultation, and created spaces which are inspiring, beautiful, fit for purpose and loved by their communities.”
The winners and commended entries are:
School Libraries
Winner
Ormiston College Centre for Learning and Innovation, QLD – BSPN Architecture
Highly Commended
Monmia Primary School Library, VIC – AOA Architects
Special Libraries
Highly Commended
Jerzy Toeplitz Library (Australian Film, Television and Radio School), NSW – Ingrid Weir
Academic Libraries
Winner
UTS Library, NSW – FJMT
Highly Commended
QUT Peter Coaldrake Education Precinct, QLD – Wilson Architects
St Benedict’s Library, University of Notre Dame Australia, NSW – CK Design International
Public Libraries
Winner
Marrickville Library and Pavilion, NSW – BVN
Highly Commended
Green Square Library, NSW – Studio Hollenstein in association with Stewart Architecture
Karalee Library Pod, QLD – Collectivus
Ruth Faulkner Library, WA – Bollig Design Group
Commended
Payinthi – Prospect Public Library, SA – JPE Design Studio
Salisbury Community Hub Library, SA – Hassell
Commended
Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library, NSW – CK Design International Project
National Exemplar Award
Winner
State Library Victoria, VIC – Architectus and Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Members’ Choice Award
Winner
Marrickville Library and Pavilion, NSW – BVN
ArchitectureAU is the media partner for The Australian Library Design Awards. The program is run by The Australian Library and Information Association the State Library of Queensland. ALIA will be running the awards again in 2022-2023.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
