As the first social civic infrastructure in Victoria’s growing regional suburb of Armstrong Creek, the Library and Community Hub is set to be an important place for local residents for lifelong learning, social connection and building a sense of community.
The 2,500 sqm library will feature a collection of 40,000 books and resources, flexible and easily accessible spaces for children’s learning and youth programs, dedicated multi-purpose meeting spaces on level one and creative spaces and bookable co-working amenities on level two. The ground floor will serve as the civic interface with direct access to the external terraces and the town centre.
Buchan worked with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the City in developing the ‘Living Water’ narrative that embedded Wadawurrung language to deliver a design that respected and embraced the area’s Wadawurrung living cultural heritage. The Wadawurrung narrative illuminates the library as a gathering place for all of Armstrong Creek’s residents and First Nations People to discuss and share interests, trade, and socialise.
The circular windows around the building’s perimeter epitomise ‘solidarity’ and a united local community, while creating a natural and fluid envelope for the internal spaces. The windows also allow for visual connections to the environment outside from multiple panoramic vantage points.
Inside, Buchan’s clever curation of the proposed spaces takes users on an intuitive journey through the library. The organic floor pattern is inspired by natural flow, while finishes throughout are simple and honest using a muted, earthy palette and raw concrete surfaces to reflect the local context. A lush landscaped civic interface and feature canopy cantilevering over main Town Square entry will create a welcoming community entrance and confluence for the town centre.
The proposed design caters for five-star Green Star rating and incorporates best practice environmental design principles, use of sustainable, environmentally friendly and robust materials and energy efficient low maintenance fixtures.
The Armstrong Creek Town Centre Library and Community Hub is the result of a collaboration between Buchan, the City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC), Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and community stakeholders.
