Library Buildings around the World

Central Erin Mills Multi-Use Complex, Mississauga, ON – Canada 2001
Partner in Charge: Cid Cugini, Terry Fitsialos (from STIP)
Owner: Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board, City of Mississauga, Mississauga Library Board
Awards:
2001 Mississauga Urban Design Award
This Project combines, in a highly efficient and aesthetic manner, a Secondary School, a Community Centre with wellness and
aquatic programs and a Public Library as a single integrated public facility. The Pedestrian movement both externally and
internally is designed to be efficient with ease in finding ones way. The internal "people movement" is facilitated by the use of an
"internal street" as the principal organizing element. This street becomes the social space, creating opportunities for social
interaction, relaxation, and visual relief via vistas into the aquatic areas, community rooms and public library. The introduction of
natural light internally in the street and the school's interior court becomes a vital component creating a friendly environment for all
the students and public users. The School uses as an organizer, an internal court/multi-use space for gathering, entertaining, eating,
reading and participation in the school's every day activities. (MCA)
McCellum Sather Architects Inc., Hamilton, ON – Canada
http://msarch.ca
Libraries:
McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences Library, Hamilton, ON – Canada 2007
51.000 sqft. Renovation, 2.800 sqft. New Construction
Awards:
2010 Ontario Library Assocation, Library Building Award
Award of Design Excellence
2007 City of Hamilton Urban Design and Architecture Awards
Award of Excellence
2007 City of Hamilton Urban Design and Architecture Awards
People's Choice Award
This renovation and expansion to the Health Sciences Library on the McMaster Campus represents an exciting departure for the
University. Located within the internationally renowned McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC), the challenge was to
renovate the interior space to respond to changing aesthetic and social library requirements in a manner that aesthetically captured
the progressive and innovative reputation of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The design concept for the McMaster University FHS Library dramatically reflects this shift with the addition of a new reading
pavilion. This two storey glazed box is a direct counterpoint to the existing opaque precast concrete enclosure. A strong visual link is
created between the library, the immediate landscape, and the larger campus beyond, breaking down the isolation and interior focus
of the existing library.
Internally, the integration of a new cafe with a large glazed entry and social gathering space, in conjunction with a totally redesigned
information centre, creates a very welcoming and animated student hub. The addition of group learning spaces, group study rooms
and internet connectivity throughout complete the renovation concept. (McCallum)
Liberia Library and Community, Paynesville (Monrovia) – Liberia in design
17.300 sqft.
Liberia is in the process of renewal as the country benefits from several years of a stable government that was preceded by
years of a very destructive and debilitating civil war. MSA was approached several years ago by Leo Johnson, a Liberian
now living in Hamilton and very actively involved in activism and empowerment through his not-for-profit organization,
Empowerment Squared, which is specifically targeted to immigrants and refugees. His passion for his birthplace led him to
want to give back to the country by creating a legacy project that would help empower and educate the youth of Liberia.
This led to the conception of a library/resource/community centre as the vehicle for promoting education. Working with
Mr. Johnson, MSA developed a schematic design and program that outlined appropriate spaces to be built in three phases
over time.
The preliminary design concept was developed to establish a design approach to the project that reflected a sustainable
methodology to the design and construction of the project. The notion of building in phases allows the project to proceed as
funding becomes available but each phase must be capable of functioning completely as a standalone project and not be
dependent on future phases to function appropriately. The purpose for the Samuel Morris Memorial Library and
Community Centre Project is:
•To gradually establish smaller centres in strategic locations across Liberia where rural school and underprivileged youth
can find safe space and resources to express themselves.
•To promote the importance of literacy in every form in the development of the analytical and personal skills.
•To stimulate the habit of reading and restoration of a future for thousands of frustrated Liberian youth.
•To build a relationship between the youth population and literacy which has been denied from them for too long.
The Library and Community Centre is designed as a series of built spaces, arranged around a variety of common gathering
areas that will help promote positive social interaction and will inspire youth to be involved in such literary pursuits as
poetry recitals, story readings, and upholding their strong oral tradition.
Phase 1: Library
The Library space will house the book collection and will have layering of spaces with a bridge at the mezzanine level for
quiet reading. The bridge will also provide connection to the upper level outdoor green space. The meeting area, offices,
and service spaces are placed next to the library. Introverted and arranged around an intimate courtyard space. The total
gross area of Phase 1 is approximately 4,100 sq. ft.
Phase 2: Reading Room and Conference Centre
The Reading Room and the Conference Centre will close the courtyard on the south edge with a covered walkway flanking
the east edge, an addition of approximately 3,700 sq. ft. The indoor/outdoor spaces, such as a covered walkway with open
wood slats between columns, are designed to promote the much needed air circulation in a tropical climate without
disturbing the intimacy of the space.
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