General News
2 June, 2023
International awards for library
THE Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre has won two prestigious international architecture awards.
Designed by Kosloff Architecture, the recently constructed Warrnambool library was the Jury Winner in the libraries category of the Architizer A+ Awards, with judges selecting it above projects in the United States, Taiwan, France, Canada and China.
It was also named the Popular Choice winner in the Architecture + Learning category.
Now in its 11th year, the Architizer A+ Awards is the world’s largest awards program for architecture and spaces. Warrnambool acting mayor Max Taylor said it was a major achievement for Warrnambool to be recognised on such a major global platform.
“The library and learning centre is a place that the local community has instantly embraced and years from now it will be hard to imagine what Warrnambool was like without it,” he said.
“We congratulate Kosloff Architects. Their bold architectural vision has been executed masterfully by A.W. Nicholson and the many tradespeople involved, and now everyone can enjoy the benefits.
“It was a tremendous partnership between council, the Victorian Government and South West TAFE.
“The community had a big say in the new library too, so thank you to everyone who took part in the various consultation phases that have led to such an outstanding result.
“I’m proud to say that the library functions as good as it looks, with over 3000 new members joining since it opened in October while visitor numbers are up 127 per cent, loans are up 20 per cent and program participation a staggering 535 per cent compared to the same time last year.”
Kosloff Architecture director Julian Kosloff said it was amazing for the library to be recognised internationally.
“These buildings don’t come together without a remarkable team effort and it’s testament to a really strong stakeholder engagement process,” he said.
The Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre has also been shortlisted for an Australian Interior Design Award and three AIA Victorian Architectural Awards, with the winners to be announced later this month.
