The shortlisted entries in the Australian Library and Information Association’s (ALIA) 2019 Library Design Awards have been revealed, highlighting some of the most impressive and creative new library designs that Australia has to offer.
Each year the ALIA Library Design Awards aim to celebrate and showcase excellence in new and refurbished libraries across Australia.
This year’s awards are divided into three categories: School Libraries, Public Libraries and Academic Libraries.
Among the four shortlisted Public Libraries is the Bunjil Place Library, designed by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp Pty Ltd (fjmt).
Situated on the prominent north-western corner of the precinct, the library is expected to be one of the most frequently visited facilities at Bunjil Place. The building welcomes people of all ages and abilities to dwell in a safe place that can be embraced as their own and features settings and zones to meet community needs such as quiet study areas, collaborative tables, larger meeting tables and lounging areas.
CohenLeigh Architects’ Cobram Library & Learning Centre also made the shortlist.
According to the firm the building was designed to be a distinctly local library – one that embraces emerging technologies and promotes flexible learning and library spaces across all ages. The Cobram Library & Learning Centre also features a dynamic façade that wraps the perimeter of the library, filtering and throwing light into the internal library spaces.
The shortlisted entries in the 2019 ALIA Library Design Awards are being judged by a panel of Australia’s best independent design professionals and library leaders.
Entries will be assessed on how well the designs have met their objective and on the criteria of Design (including interior and exterior appearance), Strategic Relevance (including response to challenges or special considerations) and Impact (including user experience and efficiency).
Janine Schmidt, Chair, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Library Buildings and Equipment Standing Committee said that overall the judging panel was impressed by the innovative and imaginative approaches adopted by libraries and their funding agencies in ensuring physical facilities.
“Libraries represented in the design awards epitomise the best of innovative library design throughout the world,” she said.
“Both newly built and renovated or refurbished, [they must] match the changing needs of library communities.”
The shortlist for the 2019 Australian Library and Information Association Library Design Awards can be found below:
Academic Libraries:
Caulfield Library Monash, Melbourne, Victoria
Sir Louis Matheson Library, Melbourne, Victoria
University of Queensland Library, Queensland
Public Libraries:
Bunjil Place Library, Narre Warren, Victoria
Cobram Library & Learning Centre, Cobram, Victoria
Laidley Library, Laidley, Queensland
Shellharbour City Libraries, Shellharbour, New South Wales
School Libraries:
Centenary Library, Anglican Church Grammar School, Queensland
St Andrew’s Cathedral School Library, St Andrew’s Cathedral School, New South Wales
The winners will be announced at the Library Design Awards Conference at the State Library of Queensland on 14 March. Images of the shortlist can be found here.