Description
As libraries shift from storing information contained in physical volumes to digital forums, the space requirements for the traditional library stack shrinks at a substantial rate. Equally rapid is the change in the way students and faculty access and work with digital data, contributing to many learning institutions to re-think the layout of the long-favoured space, the reading room. Brock University found itself in just this situation, and in 2018, DPAI continued the re-imagination of the modern library reading room in the James A. Gibson Library. A central curvilinear, tapered partial-height partition was proposed to provide three centrally located meeting rooms for small to medium study groups and video conferences, while retaining light and vision through the sculptural form with generous glazed panels. Access to natural light is a precious commodity in the modernist Schmon tower and priority was given to open-study and small collaborative study groupings.
“It was a pleasure for us to work with architects who understood so much about student needs and have a solid grounding in trends in the evolution and transformation of libraries. David and his team were very collaborative and responsive to our needs. They were ultimately able to unlock the potential within the constraints of a challenging building and were able to translate our vision into a dynamic learning space. The result resonates deeply with our students who have commented that the new space motivates, inspires and energizes them. Their only complaint is that we haven’t yet done the same with the rest of the library. I would welcome the opportunity to work with DPAI again would recommend their team without hesitation.”
– Chief Librarian Mark Robertson
CLIENT
Brock University
SIZE
3,800 sf
LOCATION
St. Catharines, ON
STATUS
Complete
This previously non-descript room, was a bonus space created as the physical volumes of the library decreased, and library stacks were removed. The space was given added abstracted texture through use of materials that are inspired by the very nature that surrounds the Tower. A portion of the concrete waffle ceiling was exposed, with the added benefit of increasing the height and volume of the study space. A variety of study configurations were incorporated to address both formal and informal study styles. DPAI worked with Brock’s Facilities for Accessible Design Standard to provide not only an accessible space but a holistic inclusive environment.
