Library Buildings around the World

Robertson. "It was an aspect of learning that was not being accommodated." The development of areas like the Collaboratory is a
response to this kind of need, says Robertson. He pointed out that in some respects, the Scott Library atrium is already serving as an
informal collaboratory. "Floor sitting is a very common sign in the atrium. This speaks partly to the need for additional seating, but
in many cases it's because students are looking for places to work together without disturbing others." "The other aspect was the
social learning that was taking place. Students said they need to work in groups because they are receiving an increasing number of
assignments that involve group work," says Robertson. "Students are also studying more together and discussing what they are
learning among people in their group." This is an aspect Robertson feels mirrors the social lives of today’s students, who collaborate
online through Facebook and chat. But the collaborative areas are not the only thing that will make the learning commons unique.
At the core of the learning commons will be a new integrated model of academic support. The Hub area just off the atrium will be
the home of a variety of services previously scattered across campus: research, writing and learning skills support. A team of
librarians, tutors and other professionals will be offering drop-in consultations and workshops to help students achieve their
academic best. "Libraries have always had research assistance. But the integration of writing and learning skills in the learning
commons recognizes the non-linear nature of academic work. Research, writing and learning do not happen separately. They are
woven into each other and so the approach we are taking with the Hub is more holistic and more convenient for students," says
Robertson. The Hub area will contain service pods that will be jointly staffed by the Scott Library Reference Department, the
Writing Department and the Learning Skills Program in Counselling & Disability Services. The Scott Library project, says
Robertson, is intended to create a variety of new informal environments and provide more integrated academic support services.
"We want students to feel a sense of ownership over this space," says Robertson. Flexibility will be key to the new learning commons
with everything from increased electrical drops, ubiquitous access to accessibility software, modular furniture, whiteboards and
partitions, shared LCD panels, multimedia production technology, couches, comfortable chairs and lots of natural light. In the
future, there may even be a café in the learning commons, says Robertson. Quiet study areas, group work rooms and flexible
classrooms are planned for future phases of the commons. There are also plans to revitalize the atrium as a forum or piazza for
cultural functions such as author readings, book launches and displays. (http://www.yorku.ca)
Kitchner Public Library , Kitchner, ON – Canada 2013
The renovation and expansion of the Kitchener Public Library and the accompanying Civic District Parking Garage has been
granted approval based on designs by Toronto architecture firm Levitt Goodman Architects in association with the Kitchener-based
Walter Fedy Partnership and Phillip H Carter Architect.
The $24.9 million library will include the complete renovation of the existing facility along with the design and construction of a
25,000 sq ft addition. The project also includes an $18.5 million, three-level underground parking garage that will service the entire
Civic District. The new library aims to enhance the lives of residents as a centre for information, imagination and community that
will contribute to the economic and cultural life of the city. The parking garage will discretely alleviate the parking deficiency in the
area and provide a platform for a future public square, helping the project in its aim to reach Gold LEED status.
The project will proceed under the direction of Janna Levitt, principal-in-charge, and David Warne, project architect, both of Levitt
Goodman. The library will remain open during the construction period, which is expected to commence in 2010, with a projected
completion date in 2013.
Levitt Goodman led team was selected for the project because of its design ability, its long-standing commitment to Kitchener Public
Library and its recognition that this project will play a central role in the future of the region as a cultural destination. Levitt
Goodman has authored the past three feasibility studies for KPL and participated in the Civic District design charettes. Other Levitt
Goodman projects include the Waterloo Regional Children’s Museum and the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. Phillip
Carter has successfully overseen over 50 libraries including renovations to over 25 Toronto Public Library Branches. The Walter
Fedy Partnership will provide expertise in parking garage design, LEED, mechanical, electrical and structural engineering and has a
history of local civic projects. (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com)
Queens Square Library, Cambridge Library System, Cambridge, ON – Canada 2012
Queens Square Library renovation
We were hired by the Cambridge Library to execute a five phase renovation of their main branch.To date we have completed the
first two phases, both of which were aimed at bringing the central branch in line with the CEOBs desire to bring all aspect of the
library, starting with patron services in to the 21st century. In general, our client wanted to reinvigorate the main branch by
transforming the physical environment from a more sombre and traditional branch into a bright, welcoming and open
experience. One of the key elements of this was the redeployment of staff through the introduction of RFID both in the self check out
and check in and the elimination of the traditional circulation desk. The design of the self check out was guided by our client
requirement for a experience that would be open and playful. We designed the checkout as a combination of permanent and
moveable elements, with ample room at all 3 station to allow maximum flexibility for all patrons. A parent with a stroller, baby
bucket and/or a toddler can now easily check out his or her books while keeping an eye on the kids at one station while a group of
teens can be congregating around another. The self check in area was designed as a feature prominently located at the entry area.
We playfully displayed the conveyor system beyond by leaving strategic gaps within the slatted wood wall. A bench for seating is
conveniently placed for kids to sit/stand and watch the action within. A small shelf beside the book slot allows for a patron to stack a
multitude of library material allowing an easy returns process. The choice of materials was carefully selected. The existing building,
purpose built in the 1970 is a beautiful example of regional modernism, with its exposed brick and steel structure. Distinct
architectural features such as the steel stair and landings are, even after 40 years, still attractive and robust. We wanted build on this
language with the current renovations.The exposed and powder coated steel both provide the continuity with the existing building
and insure a finish that is both extremely durable and attractive.The marble is a new material we introduced that is an extremely
durable and elegant finish which also offers the patrons and staff an elevated and timeless environment in which to work and learn.
The existing cedar ceiling was refurbished and playfully updated by cascading it down the wall of the new self check in. The Douglas
Fir, also used in the original building, is reintroduced in key points such as the new reception and patron services desks and at the
ends of all the book shelves, adding an element of warmth in to the current pallete. Finally all the lighting was replaced with energy
efficient fixtures that increased the output while consuming less energy. The tube light “chandelier” suspended in the double height
space defines the new reading area insures proper illumination while adding an element of visual delight, both in the day and in the
evening. Janna Levitt, May 3, 2012 (http://www.accessola2.com)
Bridgenorth Library and Community Hall, Bridgenorth, ON – Canada 2009
$ 1.600.000, 790 sqm
New Bridgenorth library wins Green Building Award
by Anita Locke
The Bridgenorth Library and Community Hall was this year’s winner of the Green Building Wood Design Award of the Ontario
Wood WORKS! organization. Ontario Wood WORKS! exists to promote the use of wood and wood products in commercial,
institutional and industrial projects. Wood WORKS! is an industry-led initiative of the Canadian Wood Council. Its goal is to
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