Peddle Thorp Architects

Millennium Library – The State Library of Queensland
Brisbane, Australia


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The State Library of Queensland has been reinvented into a facility more than twice its original size. The project added 12,000 sqm of new space and redeveloped 10,000 sqm of the existing building. Library services have undergone internal cultural change in conjunction with the project. As part of the Queensland's ‘Smart State’ policy, the institution is transforming it from a collection-centric facility focused on archive repository to an interactive place.

The new people focused cultural facility included redevelopment of the existing building, a new fifth level over the original building and a new five level structure with two levels of specialist book repositories and public venues.

In addition to reconfiguring and expanding existing facilities, the building contains a broad array of new specialist components including: an Indigenous Knowledge Centre, climate controlled repositories, 300 seat auditorium, international standard exhibition gallery, cafés, business/conference centre and an informal peoples gallery. The major new public reading rooms along the river's edge will deliver an outstanding public venue with views to the Brisbane city centre.

As part of the project the design team is also delivering the major new public plaza, landscape areas as well as new central services supporting all the facilities for the Queensland Cultural Centre.

AWARDS:
- 2007 RAIA National Architecture Awards - The Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture
- 2007 RAIA National Architecture Awards - The Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture
- 2007 RAIA Queensland Architecture Awards - Brisbane Building of the Year
- 2007 RAIA Queensland Architecture Awards - FDG Stanley Award for Public Buildings Architecture
- 2007 AIB Queensland Awards - Project of the Year + Sustainability Commendation

In association with Donovan Hill Architects

COMPLETION : 2006
CLIENT: Bovis Lend Lease (for Arts Queensland)