Library named national winner at ALIA Australian Library Design Awards

State Library Victoria’s $88 million Vision 2020 redevelopment was announced winner of the National Exemplar award at the 2021 ALIA Australian Library Design Awards.

The ALIA awards celebrate the best in contemporary library interiors and exteriors in Australia, with 33 libraries shortlisted this year. This is the first time the ALIA has awarded a National Exemplar award.

State Library Victoria CEO, Kate Torney said it was an honour to be recognised by the ALIA awards.

“The design of the Library’s Vision 2020 redevelopment seamlessly combines the historic beauty of the building with contemporary design solutions that reflect the changing needs of our community to create a true library of the future,” said Torney.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our designers, Architectus and Schmidt Hammer Lassen, and the entire Library team who brought the transformation to life.”

Vision 2020 was a redevelopment that increased the Library’s public space by 40 per cent and seating by 70 per cent. Highlights include refurbished heritage rooms including The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, a new dedicated children’s area, co-working spaces to support entrepreneurs, and tech-enabled spaces for video editing and podcasting.