New Sudbury Public Library

Project Type

civic institutional

Project Size

9,000 SF

Completion Date

1996

Location

Sudbury, Ontario

The branch library of 9,000sf is located along a busy arterial street. The civic significance of the library is reflected by positioning the building close to the street and creating a transparent corner.. This allows the public to see into the library and the users to connect visually to the street.

The sharp forms at the main entrance anticipate the dynamic effect of the light in the building, the business of the street and the constant flow of users in the building.

Open interior planning accommodates a wide variety of functional programming and anticipates technological growth and change.

Key Features

Siting

Siting of the building provides a public space along an arterial corridor of the city that is otherwise dominated by commercial activities. The project anticipates future growth of the facility.

Architectural Elements

Architectural elements including roofs, canopies, trellises, glass, walls, entries, shape spaces to provide comfortable, accommodating environments for users.

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Services Rendered

3D Modelling + Animations

Architectural Design

Building Conditions Assessments + Audits

Contract Administration

Cost Analysis

Feasibility Studies

Functional Space Programming

Industrial Architecture

Interior Design

Master Planning

3D Modelling + Animations

Development of three dimensional imagery and animations to visually communicate with our clients.

Architectural Design

We offer comprehensive design services ranging from schematic design, design development, construction document to contract administration for new builds, additions and renovation projects. Our studio has a continuous presence throughout the project; from concept to completion.

Building Conditions Assessments + Audits

A detailed and comprehensive review of existing conditions, a building condition assessment report describes existing building conditions and makes recommendations for the repair or replacement of building systems to support the functional and aesthetic requirements of the project.

National + Ontario Building Code Review

Fire & Life Safety

Barrier Free Accessibility: Interior and Exterior Environment

Contract Administration

Providing quality assurance through regular site visits, ensuring construction is being performed in accordance with the design, specified details and relevant codes and standards.

Cost Analysis

Our studio develops cost analysis to support programming, feasibility studies, design and general review services. We prepare order of magnitude cost estimates that reference a library of unit costs and construction methods to identify the cost of the project and quantify the scope of work. Our cost analyses is led by our in house professional quantity surveyors - we use real construction cost data that has been collected over thirty years of practice

Feasibility Studies

Feasibility studies use a variety of strategies; programming, master planning building condition audits, cost analysis, etc., to verify that a project is viable.

Functional Space Programming

Functional space programming develops a detailed list of interior and exterior spaces required to support a project. Programming is focused on quantifying spaces, developing the overall size of building or site and identifying ideal relationships between spaces. This process guides the development of the project.

Industrial Architecture

Heavy industry has realized significant success, improved health and safety and productivity in the work environment by our studio providing design solutions tailored to their specific industrial environments.

Interior Design

Our studio knows how to bring interiors to life. We are skilled at visioning spatial solutions that create desirable interior work spaces. New spatial environments are supported with the selection of interior finishes, colours, furniture and equipment.

Master Planning

The design and development of a broad vision for a project that responds to issues of context; urban planning, landforms, services, transportation networks, social, environmental, spatial needs and schedule for development and project costs. The master plan is a guide for the long range development of the project

Parameters

Planning parameters for the library included the following

Hit the budget ($1.3M) and gross floor area targets (9,000sf).
House current collection and functions and allow for 10 year growth.
Provide maximum flexibility for change in collection, services and technologies.
Provide spaces that support public uses: quiet study, meeting room, children’s area, computer room.
Meet accessibility standards and provide quality work environment.
Provide a high profile, welcoming image supported by natural light, warm materials and appropriate signage.

Solutions

The design reflects a strategic, limited palate of gestures playing against a simple box; a curve in plan, a sloped roof, a sun screen at the south windows and series of triangular elements are repeated; the entry canopy and the concrete planter retaining walls.
The interior space is organized by a curved wall. The arc organizes service functions on the inside of the curve and together with the main entrance establishes the location of the circulation desk. Sitting, reading, study activities and functions are pushed to edges of the building. A secondary wall element, curved in elevation organizes the community room and children’s area. A large scale mural – jungle scene created by local artist Ray Laporte animates the children’s area. Space at the perimeter of the building have low ceilings, the central area has a high slope ceiling with natural clerestory windows to bring in natural light.