By using the original landscape of Johnsonville as a starting point, a confident tectonic architectural language has been developed at Waitohi. The result is an interior with a clear hierarchy of zones, circulation and vibrant multi-level connections. The architects’ creation of a range of spatial experiences showcases their consistent attention to materials and concern for the human scale; shifts between these spaces are carried out with expertise and clarity. As a result, the library’s many and varied places to sit, meet, read, work and play have become a visible source of lively activity for the adjacent streets. This is an uplifting public interior that forms a rich backdrop for a wide range of community uses.