Inveresk Library, University of Tasmania | Wardle

Public facing and inviting as the university’s front door, and with a community access lending policy, the library is a place already valuable to the university and Launceston community. Library events bring together learners with community, furthering the objectives of transforming education in the north-west.

Consolidating facilities previously located at the Newnham campus, the project creates a highly visible and connected precinct. The facility makes connections with its neighbouring buildings and the emerging cultural and community orientated precinct. Flexibility and the importance of adaptable spaces were key design drivers. Open, flexible collection, collaboration, and study spaces, with reconfigurable shelving and furnishings, provide opportunity to expand and contract library collections and study spaces to suit developments within the curriculum or specific areas of focus within the library.

Inveresk Library’s sawtooth roof lines and industrial materials ensure that a playful and vital dialogue with existing Launceston landmarks is created and maintained. The site’s industrial railyard heritage is acknowledged while the welcoming and inclusive interior reflects its current place within a shared precinct. The interior planning strategies and material palette are open and inviting. Warm, natural and calming colours, textures and patterns speak to the local landscape and connection to Country, while acknowledging the diversity of users.

Solutions such as the entry experience, internal planning, spaces for retreat and respite, as well as the colours and patterns prefaced within the building, are evidence of the co-design initiatives – the interior palette reflects the local indigenous landscape. Likewise, the series of welcome points, artwork and artifacts throughout the library speak to the local Palawa community and the traditional crafts of the north-west.