Library Buildings around the World

promote the use of wood and wood products in innovative construction projects and to acknowledge the contribution of wood use
advocates. The Bridgenorth library was designed by Levitt Goodman Architects, Phillip H. Carter Architect and Blackwell Bowick
Partnership Ltd. The award was presented at an Awards Gala on November 5 at the Old Mill Inn, Toronto.
In submitting their entry, the Levitt Goodman principals noted that “By constructing this main branch public library for
Bridgenorth entirely of wood products we were able to set the tone of a great lodge or grand community cottage that supports the
vision of the town and takes cues from the nearby landscape. “Employing wood frame construction, beyond simply using a
renewable resource, allowed us to substantially reduce the quantity of finish materials and to implement other sustainable design
elements. “Veering away from conventional construction detailing, we decided to expose as much of the wood structure as possible.
This strategy included exposing the wood framing in the walls, much of which is not hidden behind the typical layer of gypsum
board thus eliminating a large quantity of material that would normally be required. The porous nature of the exposed wood and its
high level of surface articulation absorbs and disperses sound negating any need for acoustic treatments in the library spaces.
“The economical cost of wood frame construction allowed us to include other sustainable design techniques without going over
budget.” The wood products that were used in the construction of the library and community hall included LVL wood studs,
engineered joists, double plywood trusses, oriented strand board, plywood, Glulam timber, Maibec wood siding, Hardi panel siding,
red oak (veneer plywood, solid core doors and wood shutters), and clad wood windows. The architects also incorporated other
sustainable design elements such as a high level of insulation to reduce energy usage, large roof overhangs to block summer sun,
large windows to allow maximum interior daylighting to reduce electricity consumption and many other features. Brock James of
Levitt Goodman Architects says, “The great thing about this Wood Works Award is that it recognizes that smaller communities can
create top quality public facilities. The Bridgenorth Library and Community Hall has a local feel and addresses the community’s
needs with an affective green approach that respects the Township’s budget. Township staff wanted a building that would satisfy
practical concerns while creating an inspiring space worthy of community aspirations – what a great way to invest our public
resources.” (http://www.lakefieldherald.com)
Musagetes Design Library, University of Waterloo, School of Architecture, Cambridge, ON – Canada
2004
Renovation of 12,000 sq.ft in a converted silk mill
The Musagetes Design Library is part of the University of Waterloo Library system dedicated to architecture books, periodicals and
a rare book archive; which integrates closely with the larger School of Architecture. The front door of the library is a custom
engineered 8'x10' cantilevered glass door suspended in a steel frame which is counter-balanced across bearing pivots by a 900-pound
steel ballast. (Levitt)
MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, Halifax, NS – Canada
Brian MacKay-Lyons, Talbot Sweetapple, Melanie Hayne
http://www.mlsarchitects.ca
Libraries:
University of Toronto, Academic Resource Centre, Toronto-Scarborough, ON - Canada, 2003
see also: http://www.rdharch.com
The Academic Resource Centre is located at the heart of John Andrew’s Brutalist Scarborough Campus of the 1960’s. The new
building is conceived as functioning as a “town square”- the backdrop to the intellectual heart of the University, contrasting
markedly with Andrews’ serpentine hill-town aesthetic that straddles
the valley edge. This project involves the creation of a new central library which will serve the entire Scarborough campus,
combined with a new 500-seat lecture theatre and a small art gallery. The building program embraces 18,000 square feet of
renovated space and 80,000 square feet of new construction on two floors; the program incorporates 17,000 square feet of book
stacks, 665 study spaces with 90 networked study units, laboratories and workrooms comprising an 8,300 square feet Teaching and
Learning Center, an extensive Collections Management and Circulation Area, Advising and Career Center, and supporting offices.
The Academic Resource Centre is the first stage of the University’s program of planned new growth. This development must respect
the architectural vision of John Andrews, while considering the future potentials of the site and its surrounding area. To this end, a
strategy that combined consolidation and infill was used. In addition to the new program of construction, extensive renovations of
existing buildings were undertaken. The new building has a potential for vertical expansion, with the possible addition of a third
floor in a later phase. Horizontal expansion can be facilitated through the repetition of the modular ‘boat’ forms on plan.
Additionally, the archetypal courtyard, street and boat forms may be repeated as the needs of the university develop and change.
(MacKay)
Marshall Tittemore Architects, Edmonton, AB – Canada
http://www.mtalink.com
Libraries:
Edmonton Public Libraries, Highland Branch, Edmonton, AB – Canada 2013
Joint Venture with Schmidt Hammer Lassen, Aarhus, Denmark (http://www.shl.dk)
The Highlands Branch has been serving customers in northeast Edmonton, Highlands, Montrose and Bellevue communities since
1962 when it began operations in a storefront. In 1963, the branch moved into a cottage at 8606-118 Avenue and was affectionately
known as the “Little House Library”. The current building, located at 6710-118 Avenue, was constructed in 1964. Since that time,
the area's population has grown and its needs related to library service have changed.
Construction will begin soon and we hope that a new library stimulates further development and upgrading along 118th Avenue as
well as improving the quality of life for area residents. The proposed design is intended to be an open pavilion conveying the idea of
democracy and openness, that the building is open to all; a free public space, a place to read, a place to learn, a place to meet, a place
to be. The new Highlands Branch - being re-built in its current location - will be a distinctive landmark for the district and corridor
with its bold form and openness. Expected opening date for the new branch is Fall 2013.
(http://www.epl.ca/about-epl/building-projects)
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