Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148:reg:2017:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2017 (pt 16/81)
Character Range: 82376–85268

35.  Ferguson Room on first floor at the National Library of Australia, 1968
  Source:  National Library of Australia, nla.obj-144066800

  Figure 36.  Conference room at the National Library of Australia, 1968
  Source:  National Library of Australia, nla.obj-144067016

  Figure 37.  Tom Bass at the installation of his Library lintel sculpture above the entrance to the National Library of Australia, 1968
  Source:  National Library of Australia, nla.obj-147734197

  Figure 38.  Portrait of Harold White, Director-General, in his office, National Library of Australia, 1968
  Source:  National Library of Australia, nla.obj-149578493

  Figure 39.  Ken Myer addresses the audience at his farewell ceremony, Canberra, 5 February 1982.  Note the foyer and mezzanine spaces, showing areas now enclosed for the bookshop and Ferguson Room.
  Source:  National Library of Australia, nla.obj-147926941

2.3.4 Major changes to the National Library building over time

Bunning & Madden continued their work with the Library after its opening, designing and overseeing the fit-out of the lower ground floors, and undertaking other internal changes throughout the building through the 1970s and 80s.

In 1979 Bunning & Madden in conjunction with Harry Seidler & Associates were engaged to carry out the extension of the podium levels.  The work comprised the extension of the two lower ground levels in a northerly and westerly direction, by 2 and 3 modular 7.2 m bays respectively.  The trachyte stone podium walls were taken down and reinstated and extended to fit the enlarged perimeter, and the podium platform was greatly increased in size.  Two courtyards were designed for the northern wall of the podium, to provide light and views out to readers and workers in the new spaces.

The courtyard adjacent to the new Map Reading Room was one storey deep, and intended to have a commissioned work of sculpture by Ron Robertson-Swan of Sydney or Clement Meadmore of New York installed (though this was not achieved), while the courtyard adjacent to the current Newspaper Reading Room was two storeys deep.

The work included the fit-out of the extended space, including a new Map Reading room and stack, extension of the Sound and Music area, and office/work area for the AUSINTEL (Australian International and Ethnic Library) operations.

While design and contract documentation for the extension was ready by March 1981, progress to completion was slow.  Work was deferred for budgetary reasons until March 1983, and work was effectively closed down by union bans due to asbestos issues from 25 July 1983 to 3 November 1983.  This extended practical completion to 11 February 1986.[67]   Work was again held up by a major fire in March 1985, and was completed in 1986, at a cost of $11.2 million.[68]  Bunning & Madden's engagement ended in 1988.

The 1985 fire started on the fifth floor,