{"id":19195,"date":"2019-03-05T01:33:08","date_gmt":"2019-03-04T17:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/media-release\/major-upgrade-to-transform-curtins-iconic-library\/"},"modified":"2019-03-05T01:33:08","modified_gmt":"2019-03-04T17:33:08","slug":"major-upgrade-to-transform-curtins-iconic-library","status":"publish","type":"media-release","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/media-release\/major-upgrade-to-transform-curtins-iconic-library\/","title":{"rendered":"Major upgrade to transform Curtin\u2019s iconic library"},"content":{"rendered":"

Â鶹ֱ²¥\u2019s iconic Library will undergo a $60 million refurbishment including a large atrium and auditorium-style study stairs as part of plans to modernise the building in time for its 50th<\/sup> anniversary.<\/p>\n

Leading national architecture firm Hames Sharley<\/a> is working with international partner Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects<\/a> to deliver the TL Robertson Library\u2019s design solution.<\/p>\n

The TL Robertson Library is the busiest building on Curtin\u2019s Perth Campus with two million visits a year, which includes members of the wider community.<\/p>\n

Â鶹ֱ²¥ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the role of libraries was changing as a result of the rapid advances in technology and the major refurbishment would ensure Curtin\u2019s Library continued to respond to the contemporary needs of the community.<\/p>\n

\u201cHames Sharley is a leading national design practice with offices all over Australia and Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen brings global expertise to contemporary library design with experience in China, New Zealand, Canada and Denmark,\u201d Professor Terry said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis project will support the TL Robertson Library\u2019s role as a key meeting place and activity centre on Curtin\u2019s Perth Campus and its transformation into a place for digital innovation and social collaboration for students, staff and the wider community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hames Sharley Director and Education Leader James Edwards said supporting and enhancing the design profession in Western Australia was of the highest importance.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the State\u2019s largest employer of building design professionals, Hames Sharley is delighted that we have been able to bring internationally recognised colleagues Schmidt Hammer Lassen to Perth to work with the University, and with our Curtin-educated architects and interior designers,\u201d Mr Edwards said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe local knowledge and sensitivity combined with a Danish perspective has produced a uniquely Curtin design.\u00a0We believe the completed project will make a great contribution to the ongoing mission of the University \u2013 and we hope it will be an inspiration to all students of design.\u201d<\/p>\n

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects Founding Partner Morten Schmidt said the firm was driven by three core principles when designing TL Robertson Library: openness, access and well-being.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe design complements the building\u2019s original features with bold, contemporary architectural interventions that focus on warm, natural materiality, and contrast the original structure with open lightness,\u201d Mr Schmidt said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe journey through and within the building is simplified by creating strategic architectural connections between spaces that are fluid and intuitive. The transformation will visually and physically connect the library to the heart of the campus and the new developments, further underlining the importance of libraries in higher education \u2013 not only as institutions for academic endeavour, but also as cultural meeting points for all.\u201d<\/p>\n

The new features include a large atrium in the centre of the building with auditorium-style study stairs connecting the second and third levels as well as new flexible teaching spaces. The refurbishment aims to address ageing infrastructure and enhance the experience for students.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe re-design focuses on preserving the building\u2019s iconic brutalist architecture and creating additional internal spaces spanning more than 2000sqm to facilitate informal learning, knowledge sharing and collaboration across the University,\u201d Professor Terry said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe design will also enhance the Library\u2019s connection with Sir Charles Court Promenade and the surrounding public areas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Construction is expected to start later this year and will be staged to ensure the library remains open throughout all stages of works.<\/p>\n

The TL Robertson Library will celebrate its 50th<\/sup> anniversary in 2022.<\/p>\n

For more information about the project, visit here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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