[Download] "Function Changes Form: Evolution of the Sunshine Coast University Library." by Australian Academic & Research Libraries # Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Function Changes Form: Evolution of the Sunshine Coast University Library.
- Author : Australian Academic & Research Libraries
- Release Date : January 01, 2003
- Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines,Books,Professional & Technical,Education,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 196 KB
Description
In 1997 I wrote an article for inCite, the news magazine of the Australian Library and Information Association, describing the new library building at the University of the Sunshine Coast. The article was entitled, Form Does Equal Function, (1) reflecting how the architecture of the library building was purposely designed to suit the function of establishing a modern library for a new, independent public university that opened at Sippy Downs on Queensland's Sunshine Coast in February 1996. Eight years later, the university has commenced construction of a new ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Centre, to be linked to the existing library building. It is timely to reflect on the original purpose of the library building and to note the experiences that have shaped plans for both the new building and changes to the existing library building. This time the article is entitled 'Function Changes Form', as the function of both buildings certainly is changing the form, especially the interior form, of the existing library building. The establishment of the University of the Sunshine Coast in 1996 created the first new public university on a greenfield site in Australia in 23 years. The University Library, which opened in 1997, is a three-storey, 3,200 square metre of usable space complex designed by Australian architects Lawrence Nield and Partners and John Mainwaring and Associates. The building design has many sub-tropical features including an expansive timber veranda that appeals to many Australians as a modern reflection of the Queenslander style of architecture. The university's ambition was to build a modern library that would stimulate and inspire students to access information and ideas and would be a centrepiece of the campus. Central to the design was that it would reflect the spirit of adventure and excitement created by the establishment of a new, independent university and be multi-purpose in function. The library was built, serviced and landscaped at a cost of $6.4 million. The distinctive building has won numerous design accolades including Australia's building of the year in 1997, the prestigious Sir Zelman Cowen Award by the National Royal Australian Institute of Architects.