2019 Auckland Architecture Awards Winner
Northcote Public Library (1982)
There are two tests for an enduring building: has it retained its compelling sense of style and is it still fit for purpose? Some 40 years on, Northcote's head librarian and her seven-day-a-week team still love their work environment and would say yes to both. The very legible plan, with a simple and direct column structure, has strong connections to the east and west landscaped spaces across the main floor plate. In section, some soaring spaces are held up by beautifully detailed trusses containing vertical, reflective glazed elements giving views to adjacent taller trees and the sky. Together with the more compressed central spaces and spaces for children and staff at the edges, the library offers both prospect and refuge. Originally designed to be naturally ventilated by smart “no.8 wire” large operable window systems, sliding windows and bi-folding doors, the current need for constant internal temperatures have meant they have surrendered themselves to air-conditioning. David Mitchell, the late architect who designed this building, might have told us to dress more appropriately to suit the time of year…
