Architecture and design

In pictures: Green Square’s new library and plaza

A striking glass prism, a sunken garden, a plane indoors: there’s heaps to see at Green Square Library and Plaza. Take a sneak peek below.

  • The entry pyramid

    Sunset reflects on the library’s 16-metre high glass entry prism.

    “We knew the building needed to have a distinct and memorable architectural character,” says Matthias Hollenstein of Stewart Hollenstein architecture who designed the building.

    “The result is a playful 3D building above and below ground, that we think will become something people will remember.”

    Credit: Katherine Griffiths
  • Subterranean garden

    Kids explore the library’s sunken garden.

    Credit: Katherine Griffiths
  • It’s a plane!

    Artists Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro’s work Cloud Nation hangs in the atrium.

    “I like to think of people saying I’ll meet you at the aeroplane. I like to think of the work as being part of something,” says Sean.

    Credit: Silversalt
  • Look closer

    The Cloud Nation artists have created a miniature world on the plane, complete with little people and houses.

    You can view it through monoculars provided in the plaza.

    Credit: Silversalt
  • How’s the weather?

    Public artwork High Water (by artists Indigo Hanlee and Michael Thomas Hill) uses data like tidal information and local weather patterns to create watercolour-like displays.

    “We hope regular visitors will use and see those colours and recognise the sites own visual language,” says Indigo.

    Credit: Katherine Griffiths
  • A kaleidoscope of books

    Retired books take on a new life in this colourful installation in the reading room.

    Credit: Katherine Griffiths
  • A place for kids

    Get comfy with a book in the kids area. There are lots of little spaces for kids to nestle in with a book or get creative.

    Credit: Katherine Griffiths
  • Work with a view

    With free wifi throughout the library and plaza, it’s easy to BYO device and work anywhere.

    “We believe the role of architecture is to foster and encourage comfort, certainly in a public building,” says architect Matthias Hollenstein.

    Credit: Katherine Griffiths
  • A piano with a view

    Find inspiration in the fourth-floor music room. You can book the space to rehearse or record.

    Credit: Katherine Griffiths
  • The plaza

    The plaza features a water play area for children, and space for community events and plenty of space to relax under a tree.

    “The plaza has a looseness and organic nature for people to carve out their own space,” says Matthias.

    Credit: Katherine Griffiths