Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148:reg:2017:p59
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00148
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2017 (pt 59/81)
Character Range: 236367–239237

encouraged.

       Commentary:  Significant spaces where comments are worthwhile are as follows:

           • Nan Kivell Room (L2:24):  The change in the use of the room (from manuscript reading) has generally respected its significant design, although the reading room furniture configuration has been lost.

           The foyer of the Nan Kivell Room should also be treated as a highly significant space, and if possible the display cabinets re-opened.  It is noted that at present wall displays are mounted to reflect the original cabinet openings.

           • Entry foyer, twin stair cases and mezzanine (GR:55, L1:78):  The maintenance of the visual link through spaces GR:01 and GR:54 (the present bookshop and café) from the foyer to the Leonard French windows is an important aspect of the significance of the foyer.  The foyer, with the two staircases and the mezzanine level above creates the original grand entry to the building, and retention of the open nature of this space is important.  Any changes need to be sympathetic to these values.

           The foyer is designed to be a place of human activity and the encouragement of use by the location of the bookshop and café are not incompatible with the values of the space.  The limited use of the foyer area by café patrons has not had an adverse affect, and continued limited use for that purpose by the provision of tables in the northern half would not be incompatible with the heritage significance of the space.  However, fixed fittings or partitioning should not be allowed to encroach beyond the line of the mezzanine floor above GR:54 (the present glass wall).

           The opening of the Special Collections Reading Room has restored the public function of the marble stairs, with people using them to travel between the Ground Floor and First Floor.

           • Executive Area (L1:69-77), Ferguson Room (L1:02) and upper foyer area (L1:04):  While refurbished in 1999, these spaces have a close relationship with the original entry foyer space.  Future changes to re-introduce open public use throughout these areas overlooking the foyer is compatible with the heritage significance of the foyer area, and should be considered in future space re-allocation planning.  It is noted the Ferguson Room is a public space accessible by arrangement.

           • Former viewing rooms and projection room (L3:30, L3:31, L3:34):  These spaces are distinctively designed to fulfil their original function however, their use as viewing rooms is now redundant.  Adaptation to a new use is desirable, and the successful refurbishment of one room for meeting use has been achieved, but continued use of other spaces for storage purposes is preferable to their demolition.  Continued storage or future adaptation to a new use should be controlled to avoid gradual damage and deterioration of the