The official opening of the new Sci-Tech Library for the University of Sydney happened in July 2008. The number of visitors to the new library has been extraordinary, indicating a great demand for quality Library spaces. The library is part of the Jane Foss-Russell Building designed by John Wardle Architects, who won an international competition to design the Jane Foss Russell building, and the Capital insight and Abigroup contractor who supported the construction. They did a remarkable job of translating the Library’s extensive wish list into reality. “Our main objective was to create a large variety of spaces that would meet the learning and research needs of the clients of the library”.
Evident from the entrance is the large number of computers necessary in a 21st century library, however, technology is softened by nature. The fresh green colour palette is punctuated with flashes of intense brights, botanical motifs emerge from glass and carpets, and the floor flows down through paddy field-like zones towards the wooden banana-lounges in Cadigal Green. Rooms from large to small, some with movable dividers wrap around the edge of the space; while in the centre, study booths with power and data connections also support group discussion.