UQ Central Library Retrofit and Extension

This behemoth was my final assignment of my Bachelors degree. The brief was to redesign and extend the current Central Library at UQ and in doing so, create an engaging and pleasant space for students. Sitting in the old library prompted me to ask myself the age old question: How's the serenity? 

In my opinion, the lack of tranquility stemmed from the insufficient ventilation and natural light, and the interior’s illogical layout. I also found the fit out to be impractical, which as a result, rendered the facilities unused by the students.  

There was a light at the end of the tunnel though, and finding that light was as simple as installing double-glazed windows from floor to ceiling. In cohesion with Indigenous design principles and a little inspiration from Bauhaus, the new library was not only bright, but kept cool with Low-e glass. The final product has improved ventilation and connectedness to the environment. I also chose calming colours and natural materials alongside quintessential Queenslander elements, such as timber latticing, louvres, balconies and corrugated metal roof sheeting,  

Not only was this proposal friendly to the eyes, but it was also friendly to the environment, with Australian made CLT and recycled material throughout.  

Now how's that serenity!