Curtin University TL Robertson Library & Bookmark Cafe

The TL Robertson Library is located at the heart of the Bentley campus and is one of the key buildings that form part of the University ‘s academic core. The project aimed to fit within the University ‘s strategic master plan by providing connections between the Library and surrounding public realm. The key objectives of the project were to design a unique identity for the library and to establish a cohesive interface between students and library staff. The project addressed these aims through the linkage of the second and third floors, the design of a prominent reception/enquiries area, the provision of additional student spaces with interactive LCD technology, consultation and reference rooms, and the upgrade and integration of the existing Bookmark Caf é.

The project delivered on several key objectives, towards providing students with a better functioning facility. These included the redefinition of the existing southern and eastern entries, the connection of the Caf é to the Library, reconfigured workspaces for library staff, loans, returns and enquiries, the connection of Levels 2 and 3 to respond to the University ‘s strategy towards a 24 hour service model and the refurbishment and re-organisation of the existing caf é and alfresco areas.

With the intent of the Library to transition to a 24 hour service model, the University had recognised the need to provide access to the casual study spaces to Levels 2 and 3, beyond the traditional staffed times. The designers provided additional multimedia study pods to Level 2 to accommodate the students ‘ needs for collaborative, technology rich study spaces and casual study spaces. Access to the technology rich spaces located on Level 3 is now provided through the new stairs that have been included in the project, which has reduced the reliance on lifts.