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Bibliothèque John Abbott College Centre for Academic Excellence
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Education, Institution & Healthcare / University & Higher Education : Silver Certification
The reimagined library of the century-old Macdonald Campus of John Abbott College responds to the contemporary needs of its community by providing high quality, light-filled environments. The project reveals the historic architecture of the building, while enriching its spatial and material palette, creating dynamic, flexible and technologically connected teaching and learning spaces.
Contemporary light fixtures and circulation desks are seamlessly woven into the restored deep-red oak panelled walls of the Grand Reading Room. Beyond the lemon-yellow mezzanine bridge, the reimagined 1960’s wing becomes the luminous Forum des Échanges providing flexible space for group work. Two stories of glass Study Rooms overlook the stepped Forum and Winter Garden. On the lower level, Student services, stacks and the Cyber Tunnel benefit from the vegetation, views and daylight of the double-height masonry, copper, and ceramic fritted glass volume of the Winter Garden.
Deep blue spiral staircases lead to the upper levels, occupied by quiet study spaces and stacks. The reinvented former Theatre proposes a calming yet distinctive atmosphere for students, with a lounge overlooking the parterre and the glass façade of the active teaching classroom occupying the former proscenium arch.
Inspired by the lovely stained-glass, the design of the new library transforms the rich fabric of the grand old architecture of the College into an evocative and reflective space for the next generation.
Collaboration
Architect : ékm architecture + aménagement
Lighting : Anselm von Held
Engineering : Stantec
Engineering : SDK
