Library Design Considerations

- The triangular section of land vacated by the diversion of The Crescent opens up the very important space currently occupied by Balmain Rentals and Smash Repairs. The space should be returned to the public as part of the public domain - as a public square for the community. This location lies at the crucial junction between the park, the viaduct as both a wall/barrier and a gateway into the park as well as the natural terrace (currently occupied by the TAFE campus). The proposed library and square    should form as a part of an architectural and landscape solution at this junction to resolve issues and recreate this space for the local community.

Why landscape solution?
The overall site is defined by a sequence of stepping down of the terrain formed by the alterations of the land from naturally sloping land to series of terraces.

It is tempting to put a new and dominant 2, 3, 4 storey building in the location of the TAFE campus. However, on closer inspection, this area provides great views from Johnston St towards the north and north-west of the viaduct, the steel truss bridge, park, harbour and city. The site does not seem to want the placement of another object that dominates and obscures the sweeping views highlighted by the flat plane of the terrace. Instead what is called for is the decluttering of the site by the removal of the TAFE buildings, and the introduction of a low lying intervention (of plants, landscape and architectural elements) integrated together. In this way the foreground (though adding amenities for the students and public) plays a secondary role (it becomes quieter and crouches down) in order to reveal the 'performers' on the stage - the ANZAC bridge, the city skyline and the viaduct.

The level change between the land currently occupied by Balmain Rentals and the land currently occupied by the TAFE site is facilitated by a sandstone retaining walls for the terrace which is around 4m in height at the intersection between The Crescent and View Street and 0-1m in height nearer to the steel bridge crossing as the level rises from the northern part of Balmain Rentals towards the bridge.

Historically, the current TAFE site was close the original coastline and was part of naturally (and in places quite dramatic) sloping terrain towards the shoreline. However, perhaps in order to make the land more capable and productive in serving the industrial programs of the area, various parts of the land were flattened and terraced, with the sandstone removed and integrated into the retaining walls along the western side of the present The Crescent and the western side of Johnston St.

Ideas for the library facade from the square:

Blade walls that are:

- Look like they are part of the landscape, of the land, rising from the land.

- Simple, restrained and minimal in form and appearance.

- Represents the idea of the historical retaining wall (without actually being one)

- Look like a retaining wall or rock face that is holding up the landscape.

- Express the unpredictable and rugged texture of rock and masonry.

- Deep recesses between the blades that hide the glazing within, when viewed from side on.

- The illusion of a continuous masonry surface that extends into the distance.

Giants Causeway Visitors' Centre, Northern Ireland (Heneghan Peng Architects)

Giants Causeway Visitors' Centre, Northern Ireland (Heneghan Peng Architects)

The library as free and accessible to all. Cornerstone of being part of a civic community.

The third place

A new hub for social life among the community.

Program

Children's zone/library

Outdoor spaces part of the library that can be used as interior is used.
Cafe/Restaurant

Sustainability

Green Roof

Natural cross ventilation.

The facade as a dynamic digital screen

Location and form enables it to be seen from multiple perspectives and distances.

Pedestrian crossing at Johnstons Creek

Through the arches (gateway) from the park.

From the approach from the workshops.

Note the seating in the foreground can be used by the public to sit and view the square and projections onto the facade.

Driving along The Crescent

Square
Musical events
Community gatherings - social, political [render with people protesting]
Farmers Markets
School Assemblies and Graduations