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Library wins Victorian Premier’s Design Award

Media release

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Thursday 01 April 2021


State Library Victoria’s $88 million Vision 2020 redevelopment has won the 2020 Victorian Premier’s Design Award for Architectural Design, announced in Melbourne last night. 

This is a significant award honouring Victorian designers and businesses that have demonstrated excellence in design. The Library was one of seven esteemed finalists, including the redevelopment of the RMIT Capitol Theatre and Rod Laver Arena. 

State Library Victoria CEO, Kate Torney said it was a privilege to be recognised by the Premier’s Design Award.

“The Library’s Vision 2020 redevelopment was designed to maintain the historic beauty of the building while introducing contemporary design solutions that meet the changing needs of our community. The open, accessible spaces and new technologies have made this 165-year old institution a true library for the future.

“We wouldn’t be here without the tireless work of our designers, Architectus and Schmidt Hammer Lassen, and the passion and commitment of the Library team members who helped turn the vision into a reality,” said Ms Torney.

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, the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter, co-working spaces to support entrepreneurs, and tech-enabled spaces for video editing and podcasting.