La Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture

La Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - Image 2 of 10La Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - Interior Photography, StairsLa Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - Interior Photography, Stairs, Facade, HandrailLa Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - Interior PhotographyLa Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - More Images+ 5

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La Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - Image 2 of 10
© Derek Swalwell

Text description provided by the architects. The library typology has changed tremendously over the past 5 years. We worked closely with the leadership group of the library to create an interior that supported a conceptual shift from ‘collection’ to ‘connection.’ This project fundamentally involved the reworking of an existing shell to create a new library for the community of La Trobe University, Bendigo.

La Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - Interior Photography, Stairs
© Derek Swalwell

Spread across three levels, the scope included an entry gallery, consultation rooms, ASK La Trobe information pods, postgraduate lounge, board room and integrated display of the seminal ‘Sandhurst’ book collection (the main book collection is elsewhere in the building. The client was keen to challenge the concept of a traditional library. We embraced the possibility of a new typology with a focus on facilitating community ‘connection’, rather than just spaces for book ‘collection.’

La Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - Interior Photography
© Derek Swalwell

Working within an existing shell is always highly challenging. The project budget was extremely constrained for a fitout of this nature and scale, and a clear hierarchy of investment needed to be established in order to deliver the functional aspects of the project without detracting from the overall concept. Rather than seeing this as a problem, we chose to see this as an opportunity to leave parts of the interior undefined and full of possibility, suggestive of a future imbued with optimism.

La Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - Interior Photography
© Derek Swalwell
La Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - Interior Photography, Stairs, Facade, Handrail
© Derek Swalwell

Our aesthetic approach was to leave key elements such as the existing ceiling infrastructure and vermiculite coated steel structure untouched and unadorned. The new architectural interventions were treated as installations clearly distinguishable from the shell, with autonomous objects separated from the ceiling and floating from the floor. Cascading pods adorn the grand stair from the main entry, formed by semitransparent, glass structures that house the secured book collection. Their blurred spines contribute the only colours of the space, reimagining them as artefacts surrounding the central stair that links the levels. Arrangements of clear, mirrored, and reeded glass create a kaleidoscope of reflection and transparency throughout all levels, blurring the figures of occupants as they make their way up through the interior. It felt fitting to us that a newly defined library space might literally be a reflection of itself.

La Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture - Interior Photography, Beam
© Derek Swalwell

 

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Project location

Address:199, Edwards Rd, Flora Hill VIC 3552, Australia

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "La Trobe University Library / Kosloff Architecture" 30 Dec 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/974394/la-trobe-university-library-kosloff-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

© Derek Swalwell

透明‘万花筒’,澳大利亚乐卓博大学图书馆 / Kosloff Architecture

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