Key Dates
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Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Architectus in association with Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Project Overview
Completed in December 2019, the Vision 2020 redevelopment project transformed State Library Victoria, Australia's oldest and busiest public library and one of Victoria's most important cultural institutions.
At the heart of Vision 2020 was the refurbishment of the Library's incomparable heritage spaces, the creation of innovative new spaces for children and teenagers, and the reinvention of our services as we embrace new technologies and promote digital literacy and creativity for all Victorians.
Team
Architectus Team: Ruth Wilson - Principal / Studio Leader, Melbourne John Sprunt - Principal, Melbourne Simon Farr - Associate, Melbourne Matthew Spinaze - Associate, Melbourne Andrew Schunke - Principal / Studio Leader, Adelaide Consultants - Andronas Conservation Architects/ Irwinconsult/ Steensen Varming/ Arup/ McKenzie Group Consulting/ Salus/ ID Lab
Project Brief
State Library Victoria is one of Melbourne’s most loved institutions. The Swanston Street landmark welcomes more than two million people every year, making it the busiest state library in Australia and the fourth most visited library in the world.
The ambitious program has ensured that the Library continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our vibrant, diverse community, both in Melbourne and in regional Victoria, today and into the future.
The design was led by an international, award-winning team combining the talents of Australasian design firm Architectus with Scandinavia's Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, and opened to the public on 5 December 2019.
Vision 2020 was an $88.1 million project funded by $60.4 million from the Victorian Government, with the remainder raised through philanthropic support.
Project Innovation/Need
Spaces are stripped back to reveal their original beauty, literally peeling off layers of paint to expose the original 1860s paint scheme in Queens Hall, repairing the original timber floors and removing the clutter that has accumulated over the years. New elements are designed to stand the test of time with an enduring aesthetic, using timber and refined yet robust detailing.
Consultation was an enormous part of the design process. Over 200 sessions were held over the design period, beginning with hands-on workshops with staff to uncover their experiences and aspirations which were inspirational to the design team. Primary and secondary school children and young adults were engaged in a process of co-design which has shaped the design, with elements such as the Children’s Quarter “castle” evolving from children’s wishes to climb, hide and discover spaces described in their drawings of tree-houses, castles and spaceships.
Key Outcomes:
- Created 40% additional public space to accommodate our ever-growing number of visitors, researchers and students.
- Redeveloped existing public spaces, making them more accessible, adaptable, modern and innovative.
- Refurbished The Ian Potter Queen's Hall, returning it to public use as a reading room and event space.
- Introduced fresh services and experiences to breathe new life into our heritage assets and extraordinary collections.
- Created engaging, purpose-built spaces for children, families and teenagers to nurture creative learning, literacy and play.
- Created a centre for digital living, promoting digital literacy and providing technology-enabled spaces for entrepreneurship and innovation to support and stimulate Victoria's creative economy.
- Strengthened the Library's position as the hub of Victoria's learning community, connecting audiences and libraries across the state.
- Increased connection with regional Victorians through the digital delivery of programs.
- Increased contribution to Victoria's education economy by supporting the state's growing number of international students with improved access and spaces.
- Increased contribution to Victoria's tourism economy through the restoration and enhancement of heritage and exhibition spaces.
- Reinforced Melbourne's position as a UNESCO City of Literature and its reputation as a world-class centre for culture, arts and events.
Architecture - Cultural
This award celebrates the design process and product of planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambience that reflect functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations. Consideration given for material selection, technology, light and shadow.
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