University of Melbourne – Baillieu Library

The Baillieu Library, Australia’s first purpose-built university library, has been reimagined to support contemporary study while retaining its legacy as a storehouse of wisdom.

Designed by NTC Architects and delivered with Improvision Design’s expertise, the redevelopment introduces more than 260 additional seats across flexible study zones, including back-to-back booths, banquette seating, project rooms and individual study spaces. Integrated power, task lighting and after-hours access ensure the library meets the demands of modern student use.

Improvision’s custom upholstered booth seating maximises spatial efficiency in high-traffic areas, while banquette seating with timber panelling enhances both comfort and acoustic performance. Feature column panelling incorporates varied foam densities to allow for low-level integrated lighting, finished with a bespoke decorative stitch produced using Improvision’s specialised equipment.

The result is a considered, modular public space that balances functionality, comfort and design excellence.