schmidt hammer lassen + Architectus-led team to redesign iconic State Library of Victoria

The State Library of Victoria put schmidt hammer lassen and Architectus in charge of a significant redevelopment of the historic library in Melbourne. Established in 1854, the State Library of Victoria is Australia's oldest — and busiest — public institution. Formally called the Vision 2020 Redevelopment Program, the $83.1 million redesign project aims to upgrade the Library to meet current and future community needs and re-establish the Library as a premier educational and cultural institution.

Selected out of a competitive shortlist of four teams, schmidt hammer lassen/Architectus — who are also working on the new Christchurch Central Library in New Zealand as part of the city's earthquake Recovery Plan — is collaborating with Andronas Conservation Architects, Irwin Consult, and Steensen Varming Engineers. The winning team will design all the elements of the Vision 2020 redevelopment plan. The 17,257 m2 scheme includes the restoration of the Queen's Hall, the reopening of the library entrance at Russell Street, and brand new spaces for early learning, digital media, entrepreneurship, exhibitions and events.

“We will work closely with the stakeholders and the local community to deliver a visionary project that combines the elements of the contemporary library with an impressive local heritage, unlocking the riches of the State Library collection for all Victorians and the global library community,” said schmidt hammer lassen Founding Partner Morten Schmidt, who is leading the design team.

Design concepts for the Vision 2020 redevelopment project are scheduled to be released later this year, and the start of construction is slated for 2017. The new State Library is expected to be complete by 2020.