Schmidt Hammer Lassen

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Gone are the days where libraries need to be kept as dark as possible to protect their collections. Thanks to an innovative architectural approach, Perth’s TL Robertson Library will see an influx of natural light for the first time in 50 years.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/library1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="534" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/library1_0.jpg?itok=9FqPc98m" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New additions to Curtin University's TL Robertson Library. Source: Schmidt Hammer Lassen</figcaption></figure>Danish architectural firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects have partnered with Australia’s own <a href="https://www.hamessharley.com.au/article/major-upgrade-to-transform-curtins-iconic-library">Hames Sharley</a> to deliver an extensive transformation of Curtin University’s pivotal campus landmark. The original design of the six-storey brutalist structure will be preserved yet revitalised, using modern building techniques, new technology, vertical line and the introduction of more open collaborative spaces.

<blockquote>
“The redevelopment complements the building’s original features with bold, contemporary architectural interventions that focus on warm, natural materiality, and contrast the  current structure with open lightness.”
</blockquote>

- Morten Schmidt, Founding Partner of Schmidt Hammer Lassen

As a building which sees over 2 million visitors annually, it was important to create a comfortable, accessible and open space for students, faculty and Perth’s wider community – as Schmidt Hammer Lassen put it, a “living library”. The creation of multiple entrance points will provide more public access, cultivate inclusive outdoor areas and landscaping opportunities to enhance the outdoor environment of the university.

Inside the library, a grand atrium will connect the multiple levels, providing a sense of openness and allowing natural light to filter through. New features will also include a makerspace, events location and teaching areas.

Over the last year, students at <a href="https://news.curtin.edu.au/stories/the-robertson-library-is-being-transformed/">Curtin University</a> have been contributing ideas to the project team up until the design was finalised. This will be the second library project for Schmidt Hammer Lassen following their work in tandem with Architectus on the renovation of the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/state-library-victoria-unveils-the-first-of-its-new-spaces">State Library of Victoria</a>.

The library will remain open for students throughout construction and the new zones will be opened incrementally, with final completion by 2020.

NEW ADDITIONS TO TL ROBERTSON LIBRARY:

<ul>
<li>2000 square metres of extra floor space</li>
	<li>A central atrium with auditorium-style study stairs connecting Levels 2 &amp; 3</li>
	<li>Student kitchen (accessible 24/7)</li>
	<li>Accessible entranceways</li>
	<li>Versatile teaching spaces</li>
</ul>
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Olivia Round

TL Robertson Library’s 50th anniversary to be celebrated with a state-of-the-art upgrade

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As part of its $88 million redevelopment, the State Library of Victoria (SLV) is providing Victorian apprentices, trainees and cadets with the opportunity to help with its transformation as part of its Vision 2020. The expansive project will create additional space for public use, restore and reopen the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, and reinstate the historic Russell Street entrance.

The State Library opened in 1856 and welcomes over 2 million visitors each year through its doors, making it Australia's oldest and busiest public library. Within its walls there are 5.1 million items ranging from books and manuscripts, to photographs, music, art and ephemera.

Such is the importance of the State Library to Victorians that the CBD North Station will be named State Library Station as part of the $11bn Melbourne Metro project.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/baldwin_spencer_v05_tweaked_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Additional public space will be created as part of the State Library's $88m revamp. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/baldwin_spencer_v05_tweaked_0.jpg?itok=hLqFhDwr" title="Additional public space will be created as part of the State Library's $88m revamp. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Additional public space will be created as part of the State Library's $88m revamp. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>The project forms part of the State Government’s Major Projects Skills Guarantee initiative, meaning apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets are required to carry out at least 10 per cent of total labour hours.

Designed by Architectus and the Danish-based practice, Schmidt Hammer Lassen, the redevelopment has had 19,800 workhours completed, with 2,100 of them completed by seven apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets

This exceeds the 10 per cent target, and has provided opportunities for architecture student Sarah Ianno, and other young workers to fine-tune their skills and get valuable experience.  Sarah had the opportunity to work on the project alongside the Architectus team while on an industry placement at the company and now works at Architectus part-time whilst finishing her degree.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/tic_v03_tweaked.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The State Library revamp has been designed by Architectus and Denmark's Schmidt Hammer Lassen. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/tic_v03_tweaked.jpg?itok=g6jaqPjY" title="The State Library revamp has been designed by Architectus and Denmark's Schmidt Hammer Lassen. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The State Library revamp has been designed by Architectus and Denmark's Schmidt Hammer Lassen. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Working on the State Library of Victoria project while I was a student gave me first-hand experience of collaborating with a team of designers on a complex project and seeing how everyone works together to produce a successful outcome. Not only was I working within the Architectus team, but I was also working with suppliers seeing how all the moving parts in a project come together – a highly beneficial experience for someone new to the industry.

One of the most valuable things I learnt was the use of the Building Information Modelling tool Revit. This serves as a streamlined communication tool across the planning, design, construction and management of a project, promoting better collaboration between everyone involved. When I returned to university after my placement, I could see just how much I’d learnt in the short period of time – it’s definitely helped to further my studies.

I particularly enjoyed being involved in the selection of furniture and finishes within the Library, ensuring we adhered to our sustainability considerations. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work on this iconic Melbourne project. It’s a significant milestone at such an early stage of my design career.

- Sarah Ianno, Student of Architecture, Architectus
</blockquote>

The Victorian State Government is providing $60.4 million worth of funding towards the project with the remaining $27.7 million coming via philanthropic support.

Built commenced construction last year with an anticipated completion in 2020, and 125 jobs created during the redevelopment.
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Schmidt Hammer Lassen

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