KEY QUESTIONS

What is your key Concept?

The central concept of ‘Artificial History’ revolves around creating an illusion of a longer more interesting history for the state library, while creating reasonable and productive spaces for the public to inhabit and pass through. This ‘illusion’ is created by first destroying elements of the library. Literally demolishing sections and rebuilding on top of the rubble structures that are composed of various architectural styles. In combination with scaffolding structures around the sites the overall perception of the libraries past, present and future should be enhanced.

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Why have you chosen your key Concept for the State Library of Victoria Redesign?

This theme behind this concept came about while thinking about Melbourne’s history and culture as a city. Founded less than 200 years ago its lacks the depth of identity that you would find in most European and Asia cities, thus ‘Artificial History’ is an exploration around what buildings in Melbourne might exhibit if 500 years were added to the city’s age. The state library acts like a doorway to an alternate present, while at the same time creating reasonable productive spaces. 

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What is your attitude to heritage and preservation?

Overall, heritage and preservation within architecture and important virtues but they should not become all consuming. While there is a fine line between an addition or remodel and vandalism cities should be living organisms not held back by vast swaths of preserved dead space. In regard to this concept, the most significant elements such as the dome, front façade and the Redmond Barry Hall have largely been untouched whilst demolition and new additions have been erected in building less significant to the overall design of the state library.  

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How would you describe your architectural language?

This architectural design revolves around a sense of the past, present and future. Each demolition, flaw and building added enhances the sense of story each individual will be able to attribute to the library. From what is left behind from the demolition work passers-by can wonder what kind of structure used to stand there before and what occurred to level it. 

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What are the main civic offerings of your building?

The largest civic elements added to the library is the lane way running down the middle of the library. Providing a way to way through from RMIT to QV while providing addition entrances to the building. Modelled around Melbourne’s existing lane way culture this section is littered with small stores, cafes, sitting areas and sheltered courtyards while leaving ample space for foot traffic. These amenities should encourage the use of the walkway by providing individuals with a lively atmosphere and attractions. To prevent the lane way from completely cutting the library in two a raised walkway leads into the second level of the Redmond Barry hall. 

What is your proposition for the typology of the library in the 21st Century?
Typology in this concept is somewhat difficult to define except for a sense of contrast. The new structures are constructed from a broadly modernist/ minimalist base to differentiate between the new and old structures. Ultimately the libraries 21st Century typology should contrast, contradict and vary to encourage the illusion of legacy and encourage the imagination for the individuals using the space.

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