Public Library

Phased Renovation & Expansion

The design addresses community concerns for tripling the size of its existing gem of a Deco-Moderne building through several design strategies. The underlying geometry of the original floor plan is repeated to create a framework for new floor areas. The expansion’s exterior panels feature architectural ornamentation derived from the original architecture.

The most unique adaptation of original architecture to new is the four new lobby columns located on axis with four original reading room columns. The underlying colorcolour is carnelian red like the original columns. Twisting wood ribbons encircle the structural columns as an abstract reference to similar carved stone details flanking the Haish entry, to the barbed wire industry that financed the original Library, to digital interconnections.