Ottawa Public Library Building, Archives Canada Facility, Canadian Architecture Images
Ottawa Public Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility
New Architecture in Ontario design by Diamond Schmitt Architects / KWC Architects, Canada
Design: Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects
Address: 555 Albert St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7X3, Canada
Diamond Schmitt reveals design for Ottawa library and archives
24 Jan 2020
Ottawa Public Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility Building
January 23, 2020, OTTAWA – A unique partnership between municipal and federal institutions is the catalyst for an innovative facility designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects that will rise on a prominent site in Canada’s capital city. The design was revealed at a ceremony in Ottawa today.
The Ottawa Public Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility combines the shared resources and passions of these partner institutions to create an inspiring place for gathering, learning and discovery.
“This coming together of library and archives advances the evolution of centres of knowledge and culture and presents new opportunities to access a rich and diverse national collection,” said Gary McCluskie, Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects. With exhibition and collections space, reading rooms, creative centre, children’s area, a genealogy centre and café configured around a large town hall, the new facility will be a welcoming home for the stories of Ottawa residents and all Canadians.
Just as this partnership is a unique pairing, the design process itself represents an unprecedented public co-design process that asked residents, Indigenous communities, and Canadians from coast to coast to provide input and comment at every stage of design.
“The reveal of the design of OPL-LAC Joint Facility illustrates the power of connections between institutions and the contributions of more than 4,000 people who came together to inspire all aspects of the design, inside and out,” said City Councillor Tim Tierney, Chair, Ottawa Public Library Board.
At four public workshops and with online feedback, major themes included creating an accessible, iconic destination, a place to spend time, not be merely transactional, with views, connection to nature and have a multitude of offerings and a mix of quiet and vibrant spaces.
The building’s design draws from Ottawa’s rich history and natural beauty with a dynamic form reminiscent of the nearby Ottawa River; the stone and wood exterior reflect the adjacent escarpment and surrounding greenspace on the western edge of downtown. The windows, top floors and rooftop offer unparalleled views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills in Quebec.
“The location at a cultural crossroads of a route that traces the three founding peoples – French, English and Indigenous – underscores the spirit of confluence in the building’s design and the possibilities for these memory institutions in a modern facility to advance the Canadian story,” said Donald Schmitt, Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects. The UK-based Jason Bruges Studio was named ‘Artist on the Design Team’ and will further express the sense of engagement and connection through public art installations.
A very high standard of environmental sustainability – a minimum LEED Gold certification – is targeted and was rated highly among the public’s recommendations. Inspire555 is the name of the ongoing public consultation process; it’s a nod to the building’s future address of 555 Albert Street and a complete summary of the report can be viewed at: www.inspire555.ca
The joint facility has a CDN $193-million budget and a total 216,000 square feet over five floors. It is scheduled to open in 2024.
Here is a video of the design:
Design Reveal: Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility from DiamondSchmittArchitects on Vimeo.
Current architectural projects by Diamond Schmitt Architects include the Ingenium Centre, designed to protect and showcase Canada’s national science and technology collection in Ottawa; the re-imagination of David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City, and Robarts Common at the University of Toronto.
Ottawa Public Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility Building images / information received 230120
Phone: +1 613-580-2940
Address: 555 Albert St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7X3, Canada
Toronto Architecture
Ontario Architecture Designs – chronological list
Toronto Architecture Walking Tours launched by e-architect
Museum Subway Station, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
photo : Elizabeth Gyde
Museum Subway Station Toronto Building
Metropolitan Toronto Central YMCA, Ontario, Canada
photograph : Fiona Spalding-Smith
Metropolitan Toronto Central YMCA
DARE District at Algonquin College, Ottawa, Canada
images courtesy of architects
DARE District at Algonquin College
Ontario College of Art + Design University Creative City Campus, 100 McCaul Street
Design: Diamond Schmitt Architects
image from architect
Ontario College of Art + Design University Creative City Campus
Architectural Designs in Canada
Canadian Architecture by City
Toronto Architecture – key buildings + designs
Montreal Buildings – key buildings + designs
Calgary Buildings – key buildings + designs
Canadian Architecture : news + key projects
Vancouver Architecture Walking Tours
Comments / photos for the Ottawa Public Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility Building page welcome
Website: Diamond Schmitt Architects
