The aim of this project, designed by Six Degrees Architects, was to de-institutionalize Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Library to improve the student experience and better meet their evolving learning needs.
The new library offers more diverse studying and meeting options, it is a social place, a place to exchange ideas, and engage actively in learning.
The building comprises a carefully planned series of spaces including group and individual study spaces, a moot court, a café, an IT training space and a 24 hour access computer room.
The new layout encourages interactive study by providing open, booth style group study spaces (influenced by Six Degrees Architects’ hospitality work) as well as more private and quiet closed rooms.
A café has been introduced into the ground floor which serves on two sides – into the library and out onto new stepped landscaping.
A new façade to the eastern side of the building opens the library up, gaining more natural light and providing views over the University Green to Corio Bay and the adjoining lake.
The building edges are integrated with the surrounding external landscaping, so the re-fitted library sits comfortably within the existing central campus precinct.
Project Details
Project size – 5,250 m2
Completion date – 2010
Building levels – 2
Project Team
Architecture
Six Degrees Architects
Established in 1992, Six Degrees is one of Australia’s leading architectural practices.
The project team included:
Director – James Legge, Peter Malatt, Simon O’Brien
Project Leader – Shol Nicolas
Architect – Dan Demant
Documentation – Giles Freeman, Eve Gill, Melika Aljukic
Interior Design- Robyn Ho
SDA practice areas include residential, master-planning and place making, aged care and community, office and workplace, hotels and hospitality, and education, delivering design solutions for both new and heritage places.
Consultant Team
Structural Engineering – GHD
Quantity Surveyor – Slattery Australia
Construction Team
Builder – Lyons Constructions
Project Manager – Thinc Projects
Photography
Patrick Rodriguez
Patrick is a commercial photographer based in Melbourne with over 10 years of industry experience, collaborating closely with clients in design, architecture, fine arts, editorial industries and with local government; documenting heritage materials and artworks for the City of Melbourne, the State Library Victoria and other arts related organisations.
Photo Gallery
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Design © 2020 Six Degrees Architects. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Patrick Rodriguez. All Rights Reserved.
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