Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148:reg:2017:p23
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2017 (pt 23/81)
Character Range: 101203–105072

in part, to the presence of the building in several prominent Canberra views:
     * the distant view of the Library, and Parliament House, from Commonwealth Park;  and
     * the view of the Library from under Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

Other findings from the survey related to Lake Burley Griffin support this conclusion.  In this survey, the Library was the most-liked building, was highly regarded for its design, and it featured in three of the 15 most-liked views around the lake.  Reflections in the lake are part of these views.

The Library meets this criterion.

    (f) the place has significant heritage value because of the place's importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period

Building
The Library is part of the significant planned cultural landscape of the Parliamentary Zone.  It occupies a prominent and strategic location on the western side of the zone, making it one of Canberra's landmark features.  Along with several later buildings that front the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, the Library contributes to the planned aesthetic qualities of the Parliamentary Zone which include a broadly symmetrical landscape with freestanding buildings set amongst rows and drifts of trees, hedges and sweeping lawns.  The elegant and classically-derived proportions of the Library reinforce these qualities, as does the openness of the vista across Lake Burley Griffin.

The building displays fine craft construction and the use of high quality materials which are evident in the internal and exterior details and finishes.

Integrated with the original design are major artworks by Tom Bass and Leonard French, the copper panels by Arthur Robb, together with the tapestries of Mathieu Matégot hung in the entry foyer.

Notable Interiors
The building features a number of interior spaces which are notable for their design qualities.  An analysis of these spaces is provided below.

Table 3.  Analysis of design qualities of notable interiors

Space                                                           Design Qualities

Entry foyer, twin staircases and mezzanine (GR:55, L1:78)            * Monumental space
                                                                     * Coffered ceiling
                                                                     * High quality materials notably marble floors, walls and column facings, and rough-faced stone tiles
                                                                     * Symmetrical and large marble stairs with carefully detailed features including the bronze, stained timber and glass handrail/balustrades
                                                                     * Artworks
                                                                     * Views of the stained glass windows in the café and bookshop
Café and bookshop                                                    * Stained glass windows
                                                                     * Tall spaces
Main Reading Room (GR:31)                                            * Monumental space
                                                                     * Coffered ceiling
                                                                     * High quality materials notably marble walls and column facings, and stained timber panelling and battens
                                                                     * Artworks
Council Room (L1:11)                                                 * A generous space
                                                                     * High quality materials notably stained timber wall battens with wallpaper panels, and vinyl imitation leather padded doors
Former Director-General's office (L1:01)                             * High quality materials notably stained