Commendation for public buildings

Jury Citation

The State Library of South Australia redevelopment is a skilful resolution of many layers of issues and problems that have accumulated over time. The new work has improved the facilities, services and spaces within the Institute and has brought together the three existing buildings so that they retain their own character and yet function seamlessly as one complex. The redevelopment has contributed to the heritage value of the existing buildings and has created a significant impact on Adelaide’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace.

The most notable architectural piece, the glazed entry foyer, creates a strong identity.

It links the Institute, Mortlock and Spence Wings for the first time and presents a primary address to North Terrace. The foyer, filled with natural light during the day, is a light-filled lantern in the evening hours, presenting visual access to the interior.

Architecturally, the three buildings that comprise the State Library have been given a new life. Firstly, through heritage-conscious refurbishment of the nineteenth-century Institute and Mortlock Wings, and secondly, through the remodelling of wall and roof elements of the 1960s Spence Wing to provide daylight to the interior spaces and visual connection to the surrounding historic precinct.

The removal of recent additions to the heritage buildings revealed lost details and allowed the architects to return the buildings to their original condition.

The project has created a new modern study environment and administrative areas as well as an information and communications centre to improve access to the vast collection of important public data.