Curtin University’s TL Robertson Library has won the prestigious Social and Community Infrastructure Award at the 2024 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) WA Awards for Excellence.
The award follows the bold transformation of the iconic brutalist structure, originally built in 1972, into a vibrant study and community space.
Curtin’s Director of Properties, Facilities and Development Tim Urquhart said the 50-year-old Library has been redeveloped into a hub that prioritises social connection and community engagement over traditional book preservation.
“Reopened in February 2023, the TL Robertson Library is a powerful reminder of what it means to preserve architectural heritage while reimagining the purpose of the Library to meet the needs of our diverse community,” Mr Urquhart said.
“With a design ethos of ‘connection, not collection’, the refurbishment led by Hames Sharley and Schmidt Hammer Lassen (SHL) Architects in Association, successfully reimagined the building to align with the Library’s evolving purpose while ensuring it stayed true to its Brutalist architecture roots.
“The UDIA Awards for Excellence highlight the very best urban development projects across Western Australia and we are proud this beautiful architectural icon, which draws two million visitors per year, has received such recognition.”
The judges noted the success of the transformation is reflected by the strong utilisation of the space, not only by university students, but the wider community.
The $115 million project created a new seventh level, doubled the number and size of windows to bring in more natural light, removed seven kilometres of books to create space for more than 1,000 additional seats, and earned a 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built rating.
Today, the TL Robertson Library spans 19,280 square metres, connecting people’s needs at the heart of Curtin’s campus. The modern facilities include a grand atrium staircase with built-in seating, a 200-person event space, a pop-up exhibition area and roof-top terrace along with one million e-books, 230,000 journals and multiple databases.
The Social and Community Infrastructure Award from UDIA recognises leadership and innovation in delivering services and/or social infrastructure developments. Curtin University’s TL Robertson Library received the award at Crown Perth on Saturday, 14 September 2024.
This win follows the TL Robertson Library’s success at the WA Australian Institute of Architects Awards in June 2024, where it won the Sustainable Architecture Award and received a commendation for Educational Architecture.
