In advance of a formal reveal expected next week, stakeholders got a preview of design plans for Calgary’s New Central Library (NCL) at a Sept. 4 open house. As part of the city’s redevelopment plans for the East Village neighbourhood, located in the downtown core, the new library will be built to accommodate existing pedestrian walkways and the light rail transit (LRT) line.
“In 2013, CMLC [Calgary Municipal Land Corporation] was appointed the developer of the New Central Library in the East Village, entrusted to manage, coordinate and supervise the design and construction of what will be a landmark building for our city and its people,” says Michael Brown, president and CEO of CMLC. “CMLC considers the NCL to be one of the most important and enduring gestures that our city can make.”
The new design incorporates the feedback and wishes of approximately 16,000 to 20,000 Calgarians, including residents and city representatives, among others. The building will include:
- A large entryway that can be used for community events;
- Terraces with reading areas;
- A children’s library;
- Teen and young adult services;
- Flexible quiet and noisy spaces;
- State-of-the-art technology;
- A large atrium that brings natural light deep into the library;
- A small amphitheatre with fixed seating;
- An exterior façade with interconnected window panes; and
- A walking corridor to allow pedestrians to pass through the library.
The entire four-storey building, which will cost $245 million to complete, will be barrier-free and designed to encourage movement throughout. With the help of a $70-million community revitalization levy from the CMLC, architectural team Snohetta and DIALOG are working to finish the project by 2018.
Janet Hutchinson, chair, Calgary Public Library board, says the goal is to create a world-renowned facility.
“Calgary’s New Central Library, the heart and the hub of Calgary’s growing library system, is intended to be its flagship and to set the tone and the standard for community libraries in every part of our city,” says Stuart Dalgleish, general manager, Community Services and Protective Services, City of Calgary.
