Warrnambool Library wins two 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 Cr Max Taylor said it was a major achievement for Warrnambool to be recognised on such a major global platform.

“What we have with the new Library and Learning Centre is a 21st century addition to our skyline of iconic buildings, joining structures such as the silver ball and the T&G clocktower in forming part of our identity as a city,” he said.

“It’s 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.

“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.

“This all helps the library to deliver on its primary purpose – to be a hub of culture and lifelong learning in our region.”

Kosloff Architecture director Julian Kosloff said that 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.

“We really believe in crafting buildings to context, so when the building is received with such acceptance within the community, we feel like we’ve done our job.

“We’ve had wonderful feedback from people, I’ve been stopped in the street with people talking to us about the building.

“I had a great conversation where someone remarked ‘if I’d had this during VCE or HSC I might have had a different trajectory’ and I think it’s testament to the potential for public architecture to really provide positive change within a community.”

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 in June.