A growth corridor of Victoria with a spectacular architecturally designed library, considering the environment and providing thoughtful accessibility.
The new Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library opened to the community on 1 August 2004. The distinctively designed library is located in the Armstrong Creek Town Centre and is a jointly funded project by the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Government. The library was designed by architects, Buchan with the design influenced by the waterways of the Wadawurrung people. Biyal-a (pronounced Be-al-a) is a Wadawurrung expression reflecting the surrounding valley-scape and watercourse as a place of many red gums.
Architecture & Access were engaged by Buchan to assess the project at multiple stages of the development of this three level 2500sqm facility. The project intent was to design an inclusive, accessible, adaptable, sustainable, five-star Green Star integrated multi-story library and lifelong learning hub for Armstrong Creek Town Centre.
Our role as the access consultant was to provide advice and specific recommendations that encompass the philosophy and goals of universal design for a wide range of people.
The key components of this library project illustrating how the building accommodates all members of the community are:
- Low height book stacks and accessible external book return chutes, staff work areas, offices and amenities
- Multi-purpose spaces to accommodate youth, seniors, creative and community programs and activities. Spaces are separate, hireable and accessible outside of library opening hours
- Community kitchen within multipurpose spaces that is hireable and accessible outside of library opening hours
- Ground floor has a children’s zone and a customer service desk for City of Greater Geelong
- Accessible landscaped terraces at first and second floor levels, male, female, all gender and accessible amenities, and end of trip facilities
- A Changing Places facility on ground level
- Mobility scooter re-charge points at ground level that are undercover and adjacent to the main entrance
- Co-working space, private study areas and small meeting rooms
- Simple and easy to navigate accessways throughout the building with external works at the base of the building integrating with the existing pavements
The Universal Design approach to consultation ensures the needs of all users were considered. By designing for a diverse range of needs, communities and environments can be created that are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
The library is now available for the community to use and enjoy, with 32,000 new resources and facilities.
Image credit: Tom Roe photographer
