Registrations have opened for local and international architects to enter the City of Sydney design competition for the Green Square Library and Plaza.
The library and community centre, to be located around Green Square Railway Station, will be part of the commercial, retail and cultural heart of the $8 billion development, - a new village hub in the City’s south that is expected to accommodate about 40,000 residents by 2031 and 22,000 workers.
The City has set aside $25 million for the 3000 sqm library, which will house a customer service centre, community meeting rooms, commercial kitchen and an arts and crafts space, and a further $15 million for the public domain and plaza.
Designs must address the City’s desire to integrate the library and plaza into a functional, flowing space and represent value for money. Other criteria include promoting the site’s heritage value, providing optimum accessibility and installing public art.
The design competition will be held in two stages and follow the Australian Institute of Architects Guidelines for Architectural Competitions.
The closing date for stage one of the competition will be 21 August 2012, giving entrants four weeks to prepare and submit their preliminary concepts.
A panel of designers, architects and cultural experts will short-list the entries, giving the selected architects six weeks to prepare detailed submissions. A cost planner will assess all short-listed entries.
All stage one and two entries will be placed on public display, with comments invited from the community and interest groups and put to the “jury” for consideration.
Sydney mayor Clover Moore said the chance to draw the plans for the landmark Green Square Town Centre Library and Plaza was a rare opportunity for architects to work with the City as a leader in design excellence and sustainable buildings.
“City of Sydney projects are world renowned for design excellence, innovation and environmental sustainability,” said Moore.
“Our Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre was the last public building designed by world renowned architect Harry Seidler. The Surry Hills Library and Community Centre set a real precedent with its stunning design and functionality and proves there’s more to libraries than books alone.
The Surry Hills Library by FJMT
“The Surry Hills building won the Best New Global Design at last year’s International Architecture Awards in Chicago, as well as many Australian awards for design, construction and sustainability. It’s something we’re all extremely proud about.
“We hope architects from around Sydney, Australia and the world will be inspired to work with the City of Sydney and the local community on our new Green Square project.
“We want to create a place which forms an important part of the local community. The space should pay careful attention to safety, seating, climate and circulation - but the rest is up to the vision and creativity of the architect.”
The library will join facilities delivered to the area including a new health and aquatic centre, parks, a community hub and affordable housing.
The City will announce the winning design early next year, and expects a development application for the library and plaza to be lodged by mid-next year, with completion of the project by early 2016.
Architects may enter the competition at greensquarelibrary.com.au, where they will be able to access the Competition rules and Library Design Objectives when the competition opens.
