Inveresk Library, University of Tasmania

All photography by Anjie Blair & Wardle

Behind the Design

"The strategic vision for the Inveresk campus and Library building had a focus on place, regionality and knowledge. Within this vision, the Library – seen as the intellectual heart of the campus, needed to be a welcoming, inspiring, open and safe environment for all.

It was important that the Library reflected culture and identity and engaged with the Indigenous community through the creation of culturally safe spaces. The display of art and culture, as well as materials, finishes and colours that connected with, and spoke to Country became a tool for creating a building and interior that felt safe and welcoming to the University’s Riawunna students and the broader Indigenous community." - Wardle

"We chose to engage a First Nations artist to design custom carpets within the Library as a means of reflecting and celebrating First Nations culture, history and identity. The custom carpets were designed by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Caleb Nichols-Mansell and represent and reflect the landscape and country of the local area. With colours and patterns of the reeds and wetlands, the carpets tell the stories of the Old People who lived in harmony with the waterways of the kanamaluka (Tamar River), providing food and natural resources and sustaining life on the country they called home. As a series of carpets across all levels of the Library building we hoped the carpets, along with embedded displays of art and craft would create a sense of culture, place and belonging for the Indigenous community within the Library.

The Shaw Custom Canvas range allowed us to work seamlessly with the artist and University to create a series of beautiful artworks that became an integral part of the Library landscape." - Wardle

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