Library Buildings around the World

is integrated into the overall building composition by way of a new double glazed envelope which wraps around the first storey of
both the library and market facilties. (rdh)
MPL1 : Lakeview Branch Library, Mississauga, ON – Canada 2011
Awards:
2012 Governor General's Medal in Architecture
Literature:
2012 Canadian Architect magazine. Governor General's Medals - Feature project. May 2012 Edition.
RDH Architects are responsible for the major renovation of three branch libraries in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The design is
based on an adaptive re-use strategy for renovations and additions to the Lakeview, Port Credit, and Lorne Park branch libraries,
all dating from between 1956 and 1967. The three renovations have been structured as one project. This strategy was put forth by
the client as a means to use public infrastructure money in an efficient manner. The original three libraries were designed as midcentury
modern buildings, displaying similar physical and aesthetic characteristics. As such, the design for the projects is based on
the development of a single vocabulary of consistent parts which can be applied to each of the three libraries in a varied manner. The
solution offers a balance between an appropriate response to three very similar buildings and an efficient solution for a fast paced
schedule.One part of this common vocabulary is the creation of a new steel frame canopy system for each building. The canopy
system integrates the existing building volumes and transforms the exterior aesthetic of each library. Each system provides for solid
canopies, solar shading, volumetric integration, led lighting and planting. Renovations also include new high-efficiency glazing and a
complete gutting and redesign of all interior spaces.The Lakeview Library is the first of the three branch libraries which comprise
the greater Mississauga Library project. This branch is located adjacent to a park, within a mid century subrurban residential
community. The canopy system collonade engages with the main access street to the north, parking to the west and a park setting to
the south and east. Large fields of energy efficient, double glazed glass are used as virtual voids within the envelope. These voids
help to exentuate an elevational rythym of vertical solids and voids within the original buidlign design. Structural glass partition
walls and low shelving help to reinforce a material vocabulary of transparency throughout the facility. This transparency is
complimented by Douglas Fir book stacks and vibrant accent walls of yellow and green. (rdh)
MPL2: Port Credit Branch Library, Mississaugs, ON – Canada 2011
Awards:
2012 Governor General's Medal in Architecture.
Literature:
Canadian Architect magazine. Governor General's Medals - Feature project. May 2012 Edition.
The Port Credit Branch Library is located along Lakeshore Road, the main commerical street of the old town of Port Credit, now a
part of the greater Mississauga area. The canopy system creates a collonade which engages the main street to the south, a park
setting to the north and west and a parking area to the east. This project incorporates a small addition of new building area on the
west side of the facility. This new area creates more space for a back of house staff work room. Further to this, the addition allows
for a complete opening up of the existing collection area. A large reading atrium has been placed at the west end of this area. The
west wall of this space has been demolished and replaced with floor to ceiling glass from which to view the park and the Credit River
beyond. Once again, a material vocabulary of transparency is utilized for increased sight lines and views within the facility and to
the surrounding area. These views are complimented by a neutral, white backdrop, interspersed by accents of vibrant reds and
oranges.The use of an open plan, great abundance of natural light, vibrant colours and views inside and out help to re-invigorate a
delapidated facility and inspire and encourage a new generation of library users. (rdh)
MPL3: Lorne Park Branch Library, Mississauga, ON – Canada 2011
Awards:
2012 Governor General's Medal in Architecture.
Literature:
2012 Canadian Architect magazine. Governor General's Medals - Feature project. May 2012 Edition.
The Lorne Park Branch Library is the third of the three facilities which comprise the greater Mississauga Library Project. This
branch is located adjacent to a park and a high school within an established, densley planted, residential area. The canopy system
collonade engages with the main access street to the east, a park setting to the north and west and a parking area to the south. The
largest of the three branch libraries, the plan utilizes an “internal street” to help organize library program. This interior street
draws users into the library by way of views. At first one might focus on the a view straight through the library to park space
beyond. Once within the street, the public is able to clearly observe progam areas to the right and left as well as browse the most
current titles, displayed on retail style podia. Once again, a material vocabulary of transparency is utilized for increased sight lines
and views within and to the surrounding park setting. Lorne Park utilizes a rich colour pallette of dark walnut book stacks and
dark grey corian service point counters, coupled with vibrant blue accent walls throughout. The designs for these three buildings
apsire to revitalize and transform the existing, delapidated facilties by breaking down the dividing lines between indoor and outdoor
environments; flooding interior reading areas with natural light; and in general, cultivating a new sense of the library as beautiful,
sustainable and contemporary pieces of architecture. (rdh)
The Bloor/Gladstone Branch Library Renovations and Addition, Toronto, ON – Canada 2009
Awards :
2011 PUG Awards : Recipient of the Paul Oberman Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Architecture and Design.
2011 Ontario Association of Architects Award for Design Excellence
2010 Best of Canada Award - Canadian Interiors
2010 Heritage Toronto Awards - Honourable Mention
2010 Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award2010
Literature:
2011 Architizer - "Top 10 : Books a Million" - Bloor Gladstone listed as one Architizer's top ten international libraries.
2011 Architectural Record - "Building Types Study", USA.
2011 Architektur Magazine - "Ziegelarchitecktur versus Glaskubus",
RDH, in association with Shoalts & Zaback Architects and ERA Architects, were commissioned to renovate, restore and expand the
existing Heritage Library, doubling its size to meet the current Toronto public Library Standards of a District Library. The new
design retains the main public entrance at its existing location, but in order to meet current barrier-free standards the exterior and
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