The Centennial College Story Arts Campus library project is a renovation and addition to an existing academic library located at 951 Carlaw Ave, in the east end of Toronto. This campus is home to the school of communications, media, arts and design. The scope of the project is to provide design services for a complete interior renovation to the library, in parallel with the re-shaping and rebuilding of two existing building additions. The project aspires to transform this tired facility into a vibrant and contemporary academic library.
The extent of the work will include: refurbishment and/or replacement of existing mechanical and electrical systems, including new lighting throughout; demolition of interior partitions, existing stair, and structural support; optimizing the available spaces and program throughout the library; adding new partitions and doors throughout; updating all finishes; adding acoustic treatment to various surfaces; new millwork items and furniture throughout; new library stacks, display and technology; and new roofing and cladding of the exterior of the library at both the street and courtyard facades.
The newly renovated space will house existing and new program elements including: a reading atrium; general collections; a maker space/VR studio, study rooms, computer lab/media screening room and exhibition space along the full length of the internal corridor facade of the library.
The existing building was originally designed by UK born, and Toronto based, architect peter Dickinson in 1954, while working at Page & Steele architects in Toronto. By many accounts, Dickinson was a force to be reckoned with. In his short lifetime Dickinson built an impressive number of buildings in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, while working with Page & Steele, and later in his own firm, Dickinson associates from 1958-61. Dickinson is also recognized for bringing the English modernist style to Toronto in the 50’s and early 60’s.
The conceptual approach for the new addition design utilizes a general language of transparency, site lines, and view. Floor plans employ open concept organization, and an extensive use of transparent and reflective materials as a means to create legible spaces and to dematerialize the language of the new addition, allowing the existing architecture to be perceived in a clear and respectful manner. The articulation of new architectural elements utilizes a rhythm of vertical bays and horizontal alignments that align and respect those used by Dickinson, creating a thoughtful dialogue between old and new structures. Further to this, the lightness of the new architecture acknowledges, and attempts to contemporize, the existing modernist design language.
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