Geelong Library and Heritage Centre opening a manifestation of the knowledge economy

Set in the heart of Geelong's emerging cultural precinct, the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (GLHC) has opened to the public over the weekend.

The centrally located facility has been developed as a socio-cultural hub in a city transitioning from a heavy industry economy to a modern knowledge economy. 

The GLHC's futuristic dome structure has been described by Geelong’s Mayor Darryn Lyons as a “big brain", and the modern community library's iconic architecture houses a future-ready sphere of reading, learning and fun that presents a new vision for libraries.

Designed by ARM Architecture, GLHC's architecture is used as a visual means to communicate the building’s internal program with a focus on diversity and life and includes a heritage reading room, youth space, children’s area and games and technology. 

It also functions with a high degree of sustainability and is constructed with the Australian weather in mind. 

The use of hexagons, as a fundamental element in the design of almost all its components helps make orientation clear for users. 

The library is appealing thanks to its many facilities for cultural and learning activities for all age groups, including makerspace with 3-D technology and virtual reality. With very few fixed components, the library is flexible and well-secured for the future.

For information go to www.grlc.vic.gov.au/glhc

Nigel Benton, Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Images courtesy of Emma Cross.

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