Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148:reg:2017:p71
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2017 (pt 71/81)
Character Range: 287758–290675

Triangle, making it one of Canberra's landmark features. Its harmonious proportions are accentuated by its reflection in the surface of the lake. Along with several later buildings that front the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Library contributes to the planned aesthetic qualities of the Parliamentary Triangle.

Attributes
Its prominence, location and proportions in the context of the other southern foreshore buildings and in its planned setting within the Parliamentary Triangle adjacent the lake, and as a Canberra landmark.

Criterion F Technical achievement
The National Library is part of the significant cultural landscape of the Parliamentary Triangle. It occupies a prominent and strategic location on the western side of the Triangle, making it one of Canberra's landmark features. Its harmonious proportions are accentuated by its reflection in the surface of the lake. Along with several later buildings that front the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Library contributes to the planned aesthetic qualities of the Parliamentary Triangle.

Fine craftsmanship is evident in the internal and exterior details. Built into the building are major artworks by Tom Bass and Leonard French.

Attributes
Its fine craftsmanship plus its prominence, location and proportions in the context of the other southern foreshore buildings and in its planned setting within the Parliamentary Triangle adjacent the lake, and as a Canberra landmark.

Criterion G Social value
The National Library is highly valued by the community for its cultural use as a library, for its national collections and for its exhibitions

Attributes
Its use as a public library with the particular attributes being the publicly accessible parts of the building.

Criterion H Significant people
The building is regarded as one of the finest works of the Australian architect Walter Bunning.

Attributes
The building's architectural design.

Description
History

The National Library began after the creation of the Commonwealth in 1901 as part of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library. In 1960 it was created as a statutory body separate from the Parliamentary Library. The National Library of Australia building was designed by Walter Bunning of Bunning and Madden, in association with T E O'Mahoney in 1964-68. The building was opened in 1968 by Sir John Gorton. It cost $8 million to build and a further $600,000 to furnish and equip. It was the first of the permanent national buildings within the Parliamentary Triangle and set a high design standard.

The stained glass windows in the lobby are the work of the Melbourne born artist Leonard French. They were commissioned by the National Capital Development Commission (NCDC) and installed in 1967. The inspiration for the work was the planets, to fit in with the overall theme of the foyer which represents the classical elements of water, earth