Australian library design: Trends & themes

In this seminar presenters explore design trends in Australian libraries and launch their stunning report Designing for the Future: A Retrospective on the ALIA Library Design Awards.

The report's authors Professor Lisa Given (RMIT), Dr Kirsten Day (UniMelb), Dr Katherine Howard (Deakin) and Professor Helen Partridge (Deakin) researched the trends, thinking and best practices in library design over recent years, using the archives of the ALIA Library Design Award nominations, refurbishments and newbuilds, longlisters, shortlisters and award winners.

Prof Lisa Given and Dr Kirsten Day walk us through case studies that demonstrate leadership in sustainable design, community-centred thinking and builds that bring together architectural design and information needs.

The report focuses on Australian library design, with comparisons made to global trends and research into best practice, and explores the potential influence of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for future library designs.

The research and report was commissioned by ALIA and the report serves as a valuable resource for library and architectural educators, practitioners, and researchers, to inform innovative, future designs that best meet their constituents’ needs.