The unique architecture of the City of Yarra’s newest public library has received international recognition, after featuring as the cover story in a recent edition of a world wide architecture and design magazine.
Carlton Library, which opened its doors to the public last October, featured in a four page story in the February edition of ‘Monument – architecture and design’ which is distributed in the UK, USA, Canada and parts of Asia. The building, designed by Sinclair Knight Merz, replaced an old red brick library and outbuildings that were demolished last year.
The article says the Rathdowne Street façade’s tapering wedge gives the building its street presence, that withstands the clutter of the street and that the library forms part of an attempt locally to reactivate modern architecture.
“This building is not a closed vault for the knowledge stores contained within… it is really an open reading room facing a park,” it reads.
“I personally think it is quite a stunning building, and its façade relates really well to its Rathdowne Street surroundings, to the adjacent cafes and houses and to the park across the road,” said Councillor Phillips. “But the really clever aspects of the design are best appreciated from the inside, as pointed out in the magazine article. The large windows and the adjacent courtyard give it a sense of space and light. I think it is one of the best library sites in Melbourne.”
Community response to the new library has also been overwhelming with a 40 percent increase in library patronage, compared to two years ago, before the library upgrade.
For further information contact Shane Scanlon, Public Affairs Coordinator, telephone 0412 205 300.
