6
VISION 29—INTERSTELLAR
R
Who would have guessed Geelong’s
newest civic star would be a library?
Not even those accustomed to
Geelong’s high-voltage mayor,
Darryn Lyons, could have predicted
such verve and flair.
PROJECT
Geelong Library & Heritage Centre
51 Little Malop St, Geelong
ARCHITECT
ARM Architecture
PRINCIPAL GLAZING
Viridian PerformaTech™ Silver 196
TEXT, IMAGES & FILM
Peter & Jenny Hyatt
CORE PRODUCTS
ENERGY
NOISE
CLEAR VISION
emarkable times call for remarkable solutions and this
$45 million project proves once and for all that size,
height or bulk are un-related to a convincing civic identity.
For a time Geelong courted the Guggenheim
Foundation, such was the desire for a landmark with the
necessary gravitas to turn the city from backwater to global
headline act. While the heavily incentivized invitation failed,
GLHC heralds the authentic, home-grown gesture rather
than the grand, imported franchise.
For the architects it was a case of perfect place and
time to answer the call from a city willing to sponsor
and embrace real design change. Here is the object of
pleasurable, inspiring associations. It has those qualities
found in all memorable architecture able to transport the
visitor in ways subtle, yet profound.
Part oversized Faberge Egg, part window into the
future, GLHC is public institution as lighthouse of learning,
entertainment and leisure. A Guggenheim it isn’t, yet in its
own mini-grand style, it ramps up the city’s self-image in
entirely unexpected ways. Smart patronage, design finesse
and a public eager for cultural engagement coalesce in
a rare literary event.
Great architecture invariably tests public opinion.
Sydney’s Opera House initially attracted its share of
scepticism. Worthwhile risk-taking and strong nerve are
the broad failure of most cities. And its why, amongst the
towering blandness, architecture of the hearts and minds
can be considered a novelty.
DECORATIVE
BUSHFIRE
STRUCTURAL
STORM
SECURITY