Location: Brampton, Ontario
Architect: RDH Architects Inc.

The Springdale Library and Komagata Maru Park aspires to create an inclusive gathering place, a progressive architectural expression in the suburbs, and a point of pride for the city. The concept for this project is to establish a new type of suburban landscape through the organically shaped perimeter of the building; the creation of an undulating topography of fluid ceilings and mountainous green roof; and the sectional variation of the ground plane. The new Springdale branch provides Brampton with an emboldened organic presence and a sustainable public resource for the community.


Photo Credit: Nic Lehoux

In an attempt to connect this building to the landscape on which it sits, the concept for the building utilizes two primary devices: first, the notion of an organic, undulating perimeter condition of building and courtyard; and second, the creation of an artificial topography within the flat landscape of the park; within the floor slab of the interior; and within the ceiling and roof plane of the library structure. The office explored and array of new complex geometries, digital software, and constructional systems to aid in the development of the design and construction of this library.


Photo Credit: RDH Architects Inc. (RDHA) 

The building’s immediate suburban neighbourhood is primarily suburban residential context to the north, west and south, and suburban commercial context to the east. As the site has proximity to both Bramalea and sandalwood, there is clear vehicular access to the site. These two thoroughfares also provide public bus transportation and sidewalks to promote pedestrian activity. A natural ravine curves along the northern and western boundaries of the site. This ravine exists as part of a larger system of green corridors which naturally occur through the greater municipal area.


Photo Credit:  Nic Lehoux

The Springdale Library and Komagata Maru Park has been designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. The design integrates the following sustainable initiatives: geothermal heating and cooling, low-VOC materials, incorporation of custom ceramic pattern that expands and contracts to deal with varying degrees of solar radiation on each side of the building, extensive green roofs, planted/shaded parking areas, bio-swales, use of locally available materials and vegetation, and a rainwater collection system that provides greywater for toilets, reflecting pools, irrigation, and the community splash pad.


Photo Credit: RDH Architects Inc. (RDHA)  

Seamlessly integrating universal design principals, the building demonstrates the highest levels of achievement in both dignity and sustainable design. It attempts to bring a new kind of contemporary architecture to the suburbs. The dynamic and fluid geometries of the architecture and park provides this suburban location with a disruption of the ordinary as one passes by, sparking curiosity and interest, and perhaps the beginnings of a new kind of organic urban design approach for the traditional suburban condition.

This blOAAg post is part of a series exploring the OAA’s 17 Design Excellence Finalists for 2022, as selected by our jury.
Click here to see other projects from this current award cycle.