Narrm Ngarrgu Library.
In the heart of Melbourne, a new community space has emerged as part of the Victorian State Government Living Libraries Infrastructure Program—the Narrm Ngarrgu Library. Nestled within the Queen Victoria Market precinct on Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Country, this expansive learning environment and interactive space spans across three-levels. Opening its doors to the public in early 2023, Narrm Ngarrgu offers a unique space where the community can read, connect, learn, and create.
Honouring Heritage through Design and Collaboration
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Six Degrees, the library's creation involved extensive consultation with Traditional Owners and Elders. This collaboration ensured that the design not only reflects but also honours the rich heritage and culture of the Wurundjeri people, who are the traditional owners of the land where the library stands. The space seeks to showcase and honour First Nations artwork, heritage, history and knowledge.
The name "Narrm Ngarrgu" itself speaks volumes, translating to 'Melbourne knowledge' in Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung the language of the Wurundjeri people. This library is not merely a collection of books; it's a testament to First Nations culture and knowledge. With an impressive collection of 30,000 books, Narrm Ngarrgu is not just a repository of knowledge, but a hub supported by extensive community management. The library goes beyond books, connecting with various family services and offering a dedicated children's space where young minds can explore, play, and learn.
Crafting Custom Carpets with Cultural Significance
When First Nations artist Maree Clarke was looking to incorporate her artwork, stories, and knowledge into the interior of the library the opportunity arose to create custom carpets for each space to completely immerse visitors within her artwork and the accompanying rich knowledge. Artist Maree Clarke worked with our in-house design team to bring her artwork to life utilising our Designer Jet® custom carpet technology.
The custom Designer Jet® carpet within the Children’s library space is a vibrant design and is adorned with native plants and animals, representing the seven seasons of the Kulin Nation. As children make their way into the space, they are greeted by a forest mural, also designed by Maree Clarke, creating an immersive zone that fosters both learning and play. Within the main library space, the custom Designer Jet® carpet features a bright watercolour pattern in a pastel palette. Overlaying this design are contour maps of the Kulin Nation, offering a unique perspective on the history of the five clans.
Designer Jet® Custom Capabilities
Using precision engineering to inject dye directly into the pile, Designer Jet® print technology is capable of reproducing virtually any image, logo, drawing or motif, in every conceivable colour, creating bespoke carpet suitable for any commercial project application. Along with rapid production turn-around, Designer Jet® carpets offer great stain resistance and are rated ACCS contract heavy or extra duty.
All Designer Jet® products, from carpet tiles and planks to 1.96m carpet rolls, conform to exacting sustainability standards, using less water, chemicals and dyes than traditional continuous carpet dying processes, and are officially certified Declare Red List free.
Public Space Flooring Made Easy
From creating a memorable visual impact, to blending seamlessly into an existing decor, here at GH Commercial we have extensive experience supplying and designing for the public flooring sector. From convention spaces, community hubs and more, we successfully combine aesthetics, function, durability and acoustics to deliver safe, resilient flooring with excellent sound insulating properties and great underfoot comfort.
For custom carpet proudly designed and manufactured in Australia, with design fees included, smaller minimum orders, fast lead times and a price to suit any commercial budget, let our team bring the magic of Designer Jet® to your next project.
Project: Narrm Ngarrgu Library
Architectural Firm: Six Degrees
Product: Custom Designer Jet® Carpet
Photography: Creative Edge Photography
