Library design a blank slate, architects promise

The architects designing Ottawa's new central library sayresidentswill shape the building's design.

"Design doesn't happen in a vacuum. It happens in a place, in a culture, in a context and that's what we really want to hear about, because that's what generates the ideas," said DonSchmittofDiamondSchmittArchitects.

"We're not dropping in a design from some other place. It's really got to be embedded in this community."

That vision could include virtually anything from a recording studioto a demonstration kitchen toa media lab, with residents shaping the ultimate decisions for what the space should or should not include.

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At anevent on Wednesday,Schmittsaidpublic consultations will likely take place starting in January and February.

"Libraries are no longer the store houses of books with tables and nice light where you sit quietly and read. They're much more active," he said, adding the partnership with Library and Archives Canada will likely mean museum-quality exhibition spaces.

Thinkbig

The nearly $200 millionbuilding at 557Wellington St., near LeBreton Flats, isset to be a partnership between the Ottawa Public Library andLibrary and Archives Canada.

It isexpected to open in 2024.

Diamond SchmittArchitects remodelled the National Arts Centre and teamed up withKWC Architects on redoing theGovernment Conference Centre on Rideau Street, which will house the Senate for the next decade.

Both Halifax andCalgary recentlyunveiledmajor new libraries, each with their own unique designs and components.

Schmittsaid he believes Ottawa can aim for similar grand projects.

Community hub

Many of those Library and Archives artifacts that could be displayedare currently in storage, said Ottawa CentreMPCatherine McKenna, whose riding includes the area the library will sit on.

She hopes the public consultations will make the library a green community hub that people of all ages want to visit.

DiamondSchmittArchitects has a history of designingLEED-certified buildings that have low environmental footprints.

"It's not just a library anymore. It's a space that engages people that gets people excited, that's open to everyone and I think that's really critical," McKenna said.

"This should be a destination for residents of Ottawa and also for Canadians."