Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects stacked up boxy volumes with different dimensions and cladding finishes to generate this library in Halifax, Canada .
Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects collaborated with nearby office Fowler Bauld & Mitchell on the design and style for the Halifax Central Library after winning a 2010 international competition for the redevelopment of the city centre site.
Associated story: White concrete cultural centre by DRDH nestles up against a Norwegian harbour
Located at a crossroads in one of Halifax’s most historic neighbourhoods, the building’s four rectilinear volumes have been orientated to adhere to the angles of the adjacent streets.
“Halifax is a city whose maritime heritage calls for consideration when designing a new public creating,” said Morten Schmidt of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, who also recently completed a library in the Canadian town of Edmonton.
“The historical axis amongst the Halifax Citadel and the Halifax Harbour, crossing correct via the library internet site, is reflected in the orientation of the top floor of the creating containing the Halifax Living Area, hereby delivering not only a unique view but also an understanding of the city’s historical heritage,” he said.
Each and every of the rectangular blocks characteristics big areas of glazing, developed to supply a lot of visual connections between the interior and the surrounding streets.
A fritted pattern of leaves applied to portions of the glazing alludes to the trees that sit at the front of the plot.
The curtain wall of the third volume in the stack functions an orange frit that is intended to complement the tone of nearby brick buildings.
The library is developed as a cultural hub. It also consists of a 300-seat auditorium, two cafes, music studios, gaming stations, a space for adult literacy classes, a reading circle and boardrooms for nearby entrepreneurs.
A huge atrium at the library’s entrance is criss-crossed by bridges and staircases, referencing the jumbled shapes of the exterior.
As nicely as a reception desk, this atrium includes a reading area with bookcases displaying a selection of bestsellers. A terrace connects the space with an auditorium at the opposite end of the building.
The initial floor is dedicated to children and young adults. It accommodates a range of open-strategy reading spaces, with educational facilities which includes music studios and study rooms arranged around the periphery.
The library’s principal collection is located on the second and third floors, alongside adult studying and additional reading rooms.
A quiet reading space featuring big suspended circular lights is situated in the cantilevered section of the prime floor. Right here, complete-height glazing supplies views across the city towards the nearby harbour.
The prime storey also accommodates a cafe with a balcony terrace.
A large skylight allows all-natural light to filter down via the building’s numerous levels.
Photography is by Adam Mørk.
Project credits:
Architect group: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects (design architect), Fowler Bauld & Mitchell (prime consultant architect)
Structural engineers: SNC Lavalin Inc., Ove Arup (Notion Design)
Mechanical engineers: CBCL Limited, Ove Arup (Concept Style)
Electrical engineers: CBCL Limited, Ove Arup (Idea Style)
Civil engineers: SNC Lavalin Inc.
Landscape architect: Gordon Ratcliffe Landscape Architect
Interior: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Fowler Bauld & Mitchell
Public consultation: Myrgan Inc.
Sustainability: Solterre Style
Acoustics: Swallow Acoustic Consultants Ltd.,
Building code: RJ Bartlett Engineering Ltd.
Curtain wall: BVDA Façade Engineering Ltd.
Wind & snow environmental: Theakston Environmental Consulting Engineers
Theatre design and style: Theatre Consulting Group Ltd.
Third celebration commissioning: FC O’Neill Scriven & Assoc. Ltd.
Project manager: Halifax Regional Municipality
Construction manager: EllisDon Corporation
Sustainability: Targeting LEED Gold certification
Ground floor plan – 
1st floor plan – 
Second floor program – 
Third floor program – 
Fourth floor program – 
Section 1 – 
Section two – 
Section three –
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