16
VISION 29—INTERSTELLAR
Was there a standout challenge?
The actual sphere is a simple geometric form. The erosion
on the western side, that zigzag face of the glass, made
it quite a geometrically complex building. Structurally there
are very large members that arch across the west face,
which then support suspended slabs. Level 5, 4 and 3 are
partly suspended from this roof structure. As a result the
differential movement within the glazing system had to be
very subtly resolved. Keeping the zigzag glazing details
elegantly simple required different solutions on the south
and west facades.
Do you ever ask yourself the question about why you
might choose such a difficult, complex option?
Not at all. Great buildings take great effort and this building
is no different. It took convincing from everyone, from
the initial group at the council and the Geelong Regional
Library Council, all the way to the builders. You can’t do
great buildings without everyone involved giving their all.
That’s what had to happen on this building.
Traditionalists love the look and feel of the physical book.
It’s an experience that you can’t get electronically and
it’s something you celebrate.
Yes. GLHC celebrates the tactility of books with a
centrepiece that they call ‘The Great Wall of Stories’.
It’s a wall