raheen library by woods bagot references texture of paper

raheen library by woods bagot references the texture of paper
all images courtesy of woods bagot

responding to a dramatic rise in numbers at the australian catholic university (ACU), woods bagot was commissioned to refurbish the ‘raheen library’ at the school’s st patrick’s melbourne campus. the brief called for an integrated scheme that appealed to students, not only encouraging learning, but also providing a series of volumes that are both comfortable and conducive of a creative environment.

an area of seating set within the library shelves

through the addition of a third storey placed above the existing two-level building – originally completed by woods bagot in 2002 – the project offers its occupants a range of relaxed and informal learning spaces configured to suit the needs of both staff and students. the rest of the interior has been reprogrammed, providing workspaces for individual and collaborative projects.

the scheme provides a series of volumes that are both comfortable and conducive to a creative environment

materials employed within the renovation are chosen to reference the library’s precious contents, specifically paper. throughout the design, blonde timbers, crumpled light-shades and crafted origami-influenced graphics continue the theme.

‘to align with the spectrum of learning spaces, a diverse range of furniture was selected, providing a variety of both formal and informal, mobile and fixed furniture arrangements, injected with bright colors and ambient lighting features,’ explains project design leader sue fenton.

the project offers its occupants a range of relaxed and informal learning spaces

the brief called for an integrated scheme that appealed to students

learning spaces are configured to suit the needs of both staff and students

the interior has been reprogrammed, providing workspaces for individual and collaborative projects

project info:

status: completed
completed: 2013
client: ​australian catholic university
leadership team: jo dane, sue fenton