There has been no shortage of news and press releases on the new Ottawa Public Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility since the design was released earlier this month. This week the Globe and Mail featured the project, titled 'Modern concept signals next chapter for Ottawa "super library"'. The article poses the OPL/AC to be much more than a just a library, as beyond housing books and a genealogy collection, it will include collaborative workshop areas, an auditorium, a town hall gathering space, play areas for children, along with food and coffee retailers. It will also feature an Indigenous Centre that will showcase the languages and cultures of Canada's Indigenous peoples.
Located in downtown Ottawa, this 200,000 square foot facility is destined to become a community hub. My favourite quote from the article is on libraries:
“Over the past few decades, they’ve become the cathedrals of our age,” says Donald Schmitt, principal of Diamond Schmitt Architects, which co-designed with KWC Architects.
CFMS is providing commissioning for this $192.9-million project, set to open in 2024.
For even more reading, check out the links below:
https://www.dezeen.com/2020/01/29/ottawa-public-library-diamond-schmitt-architects-canada/
https://www.canadianarchitect.com/diamond-schmitt-reveals-design-for-ottawa-library-and-archives/
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