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.
Major heritage conservation and restoration work ensured this iconic building remained true to its rich history and character incorporating the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall and a new world-class exhibition space in The Victoria Gallery, the project design works to reconfigure and better align library spaces and their functions, enhancing the Libraries’ ability to cater for the needs of the communities and people it serves.
Steensen Varming provided environmentally sustainable design, gallery conditioning and specialist lighting design offering a great user experience, reducing energy consumption and maintenance requirements while minimising impact on light sensitive material. A bespoke project specific sustainability framework was development for the SLV, based on best practise guidelines identified from international and local rating tools (such as WELL, LEED, Green Star and BREEAM). Requirements of local regulatory codes, such as the policies of the Melbourne City Council, have also been addressed in the Framework.
Awards:
National Property Council Innovation and Excellence Award, Best Heritage Building, 2021
National Property Council Innovation and Excellence Award, Best Public Building, 2021
Melbourne Awards, Urban Design Award, 2021
Australian Library Design Awards, National Exemplar Award, 2021
Victorian Premier’s Design Awards, Architectural Design, 2020
American Institute of Architects, International Region Design Awards, Open International Architecture Merit Award, 2020
American Institute of Architects, International Region Design Awards, Sustainable Future Award, 2020
Australian Institute of Architects National Awards, Commendation for Public Architecture, 2020
Australian Institute of Architects (VIC) Awards, The Melbourne Prize, 2020
Australian Institute of Architects (VIC) Awards, Public Architecture, 2020
Australian Institute of Architects (VIC) Awards, Heritage – Conservation, 2020