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Section 170 Register Report: 4726006: FISHER LIBRARY & BOOKSTACK |
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| Heritage Item ID: | 4726006 | |
| Item Name: | FISHER LIBRARY & BOOKSTACK | |
| Street Number: | ||
| Street Name: | Eastern Avenue, The University of Sydney | |
| Suburb / Nearest Town: | Sydney | |
| State: | NSW | |
| Post Code: | 2006 | |
| Other / Former Names: | N/A | |
| Group Item ID: | 0 | |
| Group Name: | N/A | |
| Year Construction Started: | 1960 | |
| Year Construction Completed: | 1962 | |
| National Theme: | Educating | |
| Regional Theme: | ||
| Designer: | Ken Wolley (Design Architect), Edward (Ted) Farmer (Government Architect) & Tom E O'Mahoney | |
| Builder: | F C W Powell & Son | |
| Local Theme: | Development of the University as a teaching institution, Promotion of research, Teaching, research and support staff Promotion of research Teaching, research and support staff Development of the University site at and beyond Grose Farm | |
| Custom Field One: | F03 & F04 | |
| Custom Field Two: | ||
| Custom Field Three: | ||
| Statement Of Significance: | An assessment of significance has not been undertaken, however the building won both the Sulman Award and the RIBA Bronze Medal in 1962. The library was an important focal point of the new Eastern Avenue precinct which developed in the late 1950s-1960s. The development of this precinct, with its own entrance on City Road, together with the extension of the campus into Darlington changed both the focus and flow of University life for many students and staff away from its traditional heart in the main quadrangle and Science Road. | |
| Historical Notes: | The new library, replacing the original Fisher Library built as part of the main quadrangle in 1902-1909, was designed by joint architects E H Farmer (the NSW Government Architect) and T E O'Mahony. Planned for construction in stages the library comprised two separate sections, one for undergraduates and the other for staff and senior scholars, linked by administration and special services, with the main entrance serving both. The first stage, a five-storey undergraduate wing with seating for approximately 2,000 had open access book stacks and individual carrels. The air conditioning plant was the largest of its type then in Australia. The building was colloquially known, during construction, as 'The tea-house of the August moon', a reference to a film then current and its Japanese-style appearance. The first stage, the undergraduate wing was opened in 1962. The nine-storey, copper clad, stack section was completed in 1971 by the firm of O'Mahony Neville & Morgan. Although originally designed as the research library for senior scholars and staff, the stack section became an open access area for all readers. The two basement levels were used as University offices including the offices of the Chancellor. | |
| Physical Description: | The first stage of the Fisher Library is an international modern style reinforced concrete framed three storey building with cantilevered floor and roof slabs. The design of the building clearly shows the influence of Mies Van de Rohe. Externally the frame and cantilever to the slabs is clad with copper/bronze (confirm). The building rests on a terrace that appears to float. At ground level the walls, which are set behind the frame, are clad with stone. Seating is cantilevered in alternate bays. The first floor is glazed and the second floor contains an extensive roof terrace which is formed by a continuation of the external frame. The second stage, the bookstack is a multistorey copper/bronze clad building with limited openings to prevent light from reaching the books. The large air conditioning plant is expressed as a separate element on the roof. | |
| Physical Condition: | Not assessed | |
| Modification Dates: | Unknown | |
| Recommended Management: | Ensure that the impact on any proposal on the heritage significance of the buildings, and their setting, is assessed when planning new works. | |
| Further Information: | ||
| Custom Field Four: | ||
| Custom Field Five: | ||
| Custom Field Six: |
| Local Government
Area |
DUAP Region |
Historic Region |
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| South Sydney City | Sydney South | Sydney | ||
| Historical Significance: | Not assessed | |
| Aesthetic Significance: | Not assessed | |
| Social Significance: | Not assessed | |
| Technical Significance: | Not assessed | |
| Rare Assessment: | Not assessed | |
| Representative Assessment: | ||
| Intact Assessment: | Not assessed |
| State
Theme Code |
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| Cultural sites | ||||
| Education | ||||
| Author | Title | Reference
Year |
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| 'Fisher Library Sydney University' Architecture in Australia December 1963 pp 70-75 | 1963 | ||||
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© 2002- The University of Sydney. Last updated:
ABN: 15 211 513 464. CRICOS number: 00026A. Phone: +61 2 9351 2222.
Authorised by: Facilities Information Manager.
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