State Library and Archives of Tasmania Foyer Revitalisation | LIMINAL Spaces

State Library and Archives of Tasmania Foyer Revitalisation | LIMINAL Spaces | Photographer: Natasha Mulhall

2025 National Architecture Awards Program

State Library and Archives of Tasmania Foyer Revitalisation | LIMINAL Spaces

Traditional Land Owners

The Muwinina people of nipaluna

Year
2025
Chapter

Tasmania

Category
Interior Architecture
Builder
Vos Construction and Joinery Pty Ltd
Photographer
Natasha Mulhall
Natasha Mulhall Photography
Media summary

The revitalisation project restores the clarity and intent of the 1962 Wray Building, while embedding contemporary cultural significance, universal accessibility and fit-for-purpose functionality. The design reinstates a cohesive flow and enhances public engagement with Tasmania’s historical and cultural collections.

A key intervention reorients the stairway to create a seamless, welcoming arrival. Subtraction, restoration, and strategic moves maximise impact while ensuring the Library re-engages as Tasmania’s ‘living room’—an inclusive space for all. A large media screen brings-to-life previously hidden collections, offering a platform for storytelling, truth-telling, exhibitions and events.

Our collaboration with Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Caleb Nichols-Mansell generated the floor-embedded artwork, Tunapri (Knowledge), which bridges colonial and Indigenous knowledge-sharing practices, reinforcing the library as a place of storytelling and connection.

Old meets new through revealing and celebrating original 1960s elements, reinterpreting heritage layers and embedding energy-efficient systems. The foyer experience reinforces an inclusive and culturally resonant hub where all Tasmanians belong.

The Foyer Revitalisation project provides an uplifting and welcoming arrival experience while delivering a functional, inclusive, and engaging public space, aligning with the Library’s commitment to accessibility, storytelling, and knowledge-sharing. Respecting the integrity of the original 1962 Wray Building, the design enhances wayfinding and operational efficiencies, separating back-of-house functions from public areas. It’s delivered a versatile space and, with the integrated media screen, expands opportunities for dynamic content delivery, supporting exhibitions, education programs, community engagement initiatives, and curator residencies. This transformation provides a venue for events and reinforces it’s a place for the Tasmanian community, responsive to evolving user needs.

Project Practice Team

LIMINAL Spaces, Principal Consultant

Connect with LIMINAL Spaces

This form is now closed.