Information Park: Towards a New Auckland Central Library

Abstract

The library has been filling a significant role in the history of the development of human civilization. But today, the way we access and consume information has changed dramatically in the 21st century and this presents major challenges for public library systems across the world. In Auckland, the latest Auckland Central Library was built in the 1970s and although there have been a few renovations around the building the architectural space designed almost half a century ago can’t meet the demands of our age. At the same time the building now is facing a series of problems especially in the area of storage and layout. A new format of information needs a new type of architectural space, and the traditional library pattern is unsustainable. So a new Auckland Central Library facing the future is needed. The methodology of this thesis is through research on the heritage and current Auckland Central Library buildings to analyse Auckland Central Library's site, form, function and space evolution throughout its history to find clues for future projects and also find identities of Auckland Central Library to illustrate in the new library. Besides the vertical clues referred by history, the author did some case studies as precedents to find design solutions for the proposed project. Through the research this thesis has concluded that the new library should be more open to various kinds of formats of information to meet the demands of our age. Also it should be more open to the public and be more natural to encourage different people do different activities as in a park. The concept of “Information Park” was raised by the author from this point. Through analysis of the old and current Auckland Central Library buildings and a study of precedents, architectural methodology such as irregular column grids, big open spaces without walls, green space and ramps are integrated in this project. Also to inherit old library’s identities, the staircase spiral of the 1880s-1970s Auckland Free Public Library (Auckland Art Gallery) is transformed into a form of ramp spiral in this project. Also the newspaper room which lasted through all the history of Auckland Central Library will still exist and be more involved with digital media.