Drysdale’s Boronggook Library won a public architecture award for its distinctive design at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards.
The building was one of five winners to receive an award and was a finalist for the Regional Prize.
The innovative green rooftop features 4300 plants, including 18 different native species, which continue to attract birds, butterflies and bees.
Since 1929, the Victorian Architecture Awards recognise best practice in the field and encourage the use of architecture to positively shape communities.
Designed by Antarctica in collaboration with Architecture Associates, the $9.15 million public library features a circular design, community activity spaces, an adult changing places facility and a City of Greater Geelong Customer Service contact point.
Mayor Trent Sullivan said recognition from the prestigious Victorian Architecture Awards comes a year after the two-storey building on Wyndham Street officially opened to the public.
“The Boronggook Drysdale Library is a building for the community and tells the story of our community,” he said.
“The building’s design reinterprets the rich Aboriginal and masonry history of Drysdale’s town centre and is named ‘Boronggook’ after the traditional Wadawurrung name for the area.
“Congratulations to Antarctica and Architecture Associates for developing a design with the City, local residents, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and key community stakeholders that now offers a special gathering place for the community.”
Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason said the unique and inclusive design of Boronggook Drysdale Library had created a welcoming and safe atmosphere.
“Boronggook Drysdale Library is a popular library in our municipality, with thousands of community members coming through the doors over the first year of operation,” he said.
“There is a real sense of community here and a culture of learning and innovation.”
The library was jointly funded by council ($8.156 million) and the Victorian government ($1 million).
