Location: Scarborough, Ontario

Architecture Practices: LGA Architectural Partners Ltd.

LGA Architectural Partners’ sensitive renovation of Toronto Public Library’s Albert Campbell Branch reinstated the library as a welcoming community hub, saving the 1971 brutalist building from demolition. While TPL believed that a full replacement would be necessary, LGA’s analysis revealed that 25% of the back-of-house could be repurposed for public use–satisfying TPL’s objectives for sustainability, accessibility, and placemaking. The new design focuses on creating connections inside and out by opening the interior to universal accessibility and natural light, while a re-clad exterior and rippling wood ceilings accentuate the best features of the original design, reinventing it for today's users.

Jury Comments

“The design team repurposed 25 percent of the back-of-house space in this 1971 library building, a more sustainable solution than extending or replacing it. They embraced the eccentric sectional geometry and massing of the original building while opening up the lower levels for public use. The new window openings provide visual relief and improved building performance.”

 

 

Check out our BLOAAg article for more information.

 

 

 

Publish Date : 2024/Jun/21