This project developed as a result of the desire to co-locate two separate libraries, the Research Library and administration at Ronwood Avenue and the Community Library in the Westfield Shopping Centre, in one location in the Manukau City Centre.

Creative Spaces was commissioned to help evaluate existing buildings to establish their suitability for providing library accommodation. The selected building at 3 Osterley Way provided sufficient space on two floors and was ideally located on the Northern side of the Civic Square - the library 'activating' the square's northern edge and contributing further to what is perceived to be a 'civic precinct'.

Whilst co-locating the two libraries provided significant benefits for customers and staff, they still provide quite distinct services and, because of the limited floor areas, it was decided to locate the Community Library on the ground floor and the Research Library on the first floor and to reinforce the connections between the two as much as was possible in an existing building. Planning focused on providing a customer-centric, intuitive layout, providing spaces for quiet reflection, study and community participation and display.

The interior design used as its inspiration the existing physical context (external paving, existing shop front glazing) and our knowledge of the community the library serves to create an interior of highly decorated surfaces acknowledging the decorative traditions of Pacific Island and Maori culture and the history of human activity in Manukau.