Library Buildings around the World

MCA Makrimichalos Cugini Architects, Toronto, ON –Canada
http://www.mcarch.com
Libraries:
Ajax Catholic Elemetary School, Ajax, ON – Canada 2012
Owner: Durham Catholic District School Board
Ajax Williamson is a new two storey JK-8 school highlighting an efficient plan both in its program and circulation. The school’s
design creates a multifunctional student centre by integrating a stage that opens both to the Library and the school’s Gymnasium.
The layout of the Library is open and flexible encouraging creative use of space by allowing for a variety of functions to take place.
The placement of the school on its site creates an urban gathering space at the intersection of Williamson Drive and Thackery Drive.
It establishes itself as a community building within a thriving new residential creates an urban gathering space at the intersection of
Williamson Drive and Thackery Drive. It establishes itself as a community building within a thriving new residential neighbourhood.
The playground and field align themselves with the adjacent park to take advantage of the open green space which abuts the school’s
property. Solar panels are integrated into the design to exemplify to the community the Board’s commitment to the environment and
will be used as an educational tool for the students. (MCA)
Richview Library, Toronto, ON – Canada 2011
Partner in Charge: Leo Makrimichalos
Owner: Toronto Public Library
Richview District Library is the largest library in the City of Toronto's west end. The interiors of the existing three level library had
become dated over 20 years of being well-used by the community it services. The new interior design of the library's main level
provided for a complete revitalization of the library spaces. The existing large customer service desk was replaced with a small, sleek
circular desk. New express check-out stations backed with purple coloured glass walls were provided adjacent to the library's main
entrance. The redesigned ground floor level resulted in the removal of irrelevant rooms such as the "microfiche room, that was
replaced with a new, distinct Teen room separated from the main library space with a glass screen. The Teen area provides for diner
style seating and comfortable sofas to cater to the different study habits of today's teens. Sophisticated newspaper lounges and
computer counters, designed with bright lime green glass screens were provided. New study tables and low side tables in all lounge
areas are equipped with power at the centre of each table top. This caters to the new library as a place for long term study with lap
tops, web browsing on personal tablets and for reading of e-books. (MCA)
Mount Pleasant Village School, Library and Community, Brampton, ON – Canada 2011
Partner in Charge: Cid Cugini
Owner: Peel District School Board, City of Brampton, Brampton Library
This building is a unique partnership between the Peel District School Board, the City of Brampton Community Services and the
Brampton Library. The elementary school includes 18 classrooms and 8 kindergarten classrooms. The library and school share the
35,000 sqft public library space, an extensive computer room and several seminar rooms. The school's gymnasium space is also
shared with Community Services for after hours recreational programming. The public library is a 2 storey building with a double
height glazed corner façade. Connected to the library, with a glass link, is a restored City of Brampton train station that houses
additional programming for Community Services. The train station fronts the Mount Pleasant Civic Square which includes a
fountain and skating rink. The building includes mechanical and parks service rooms that will support the Civic Square. (MCA)
Cedarbrae Library, Toronto, ON – Canada 2010
Owner: Toronto Public Library
Of Toronto Public Library's 99 branches, Cedarbrae District Library is the third busiest library building in the library system. The
original building was designed in 1966 and had become a run-down repository for books. The existing library was no longer capable
of catering to the evolving needs of its community. The redesign involved the complete interior renovation of the building and a
4,400sqft addition.
Our vision for the building redesign was to provide the library with a new visual identity, by creating a new street presence that
would transform the library into a landmark building on the site. This was established by introducing two storey glazed walls along
the full extent of the north and west building facades. This provides the community with unobstructed views into the library and to
the street from the interior. Natural light penetrates deep into the building and creates a public friendly interior space. Colourful
glass panels animate the building exterior and a large "LIBRARY" sign displayed on the west wall informs the community that this
is a public building for their use. (MCA)
Dufferin/St. Clair Library, Toronto, ON – Canada 2008
Partner in Charge: Leo Makrimichalos
Owner: Toronto Public Library
Awards:
2009 Heritage Toronto Award of Merit
The Ontario Library Association 2010 Award of Excellence
American School and University Award for Outstanding Design in the Educational Interiors Showcase 2010
Located on Dufferin Street, south of St. Clair Avenue, Dufferin/St.Clair Library is one of Toronto's heritage listed buildings. The
original library facility was built in the 1920's and is situated adjacent to a park actively enjoyed by the Community.
Our vision for the project involved restoring the building to its original charm, uncovering and repairing existing walls murals to
create a dynamic interior space, demolishing the existing stucco additions and constructing new glazed additions to the west and
south sides. The building interiors were completely renovated to include a new sophisticated adult area, a separate Teen Zone, a
vibrant Children's area and a KidsStop, an interactive children's play and learning area for babies and toddlers. Also included is a
new Community Room that projects into the adjacent park and a new public interior entry ramp that connects the existing main
entry to the new south entry from the adjacent park. The new glass facades create for more inviting building elevations that
encourage the Community to peek into the reinvented public friendly spaces. It also promotes a visual connection between the
interior public spaces and the new exterior public reading garden in the adjacent park and between the library interior and the
street. (MCA)
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