I spent a very interesting day last Wednesday touring libraries that had been designed or renovated by the architect that we have chosen for our project....Chamberlain Architect Services. I visited the Westdale Branch of Hamilton Public Library, the Moses F. Rittenhouse Branch of Lincoln Public Library and Niagara-on-the-Lake Library. I was fortunate to have a tour guide at each who took me behind the scenes, answered my questions and talked to me about the parts of their library that functioned well and those that didn't. I took my camera along to capture aspects of the building that were interesting. Above are some of those photographs. The top photo shows the inside dome of Niagara-on-the-Lake Library. It is obvious that this architect favours curves as they appear in all three libraries. Note the art around the pillar, the sliding wall between a meeting room and the children's area creating a multipurpose space. The grape leaves leading into the Rittenhouse Branch highlight its roots in wine country. This is just a sampling. All of the photos are in the T drive, Children's Folder, Revitalization Data and Chamberlain Libraries. I had a bit of trouble with light exposure so I apologize for their quality.
What a nice opportunity, Heather! It's comforting to hear that we're doing some checking on their work, and getting to speak to people who've worked with them. I bet it was really interesting to hear what didn't work for those libraries. Now we won't be caught off guard!
ReplyDeleteI was looking through the photos on the T Drive and so many of them are beautiful! And then there are others, like IMGP0928 that is flat out a "Huh?? What the heck happened there?" But all of the gardens and landscaping are just breathtaking!! It makes me SUPER excited for OUR library!!
I've decided that photo IMGP0964 is my favourite!:o) To me, that's how libraries are supposed to look! It has such a classic look to it, but it doesn't feel outdated. It is open and airy, yet the space is full without feeling cluttered. The shelves are at a great height for accessibility, and it doesn't impose on anyone's view. You could have "quiet" study tables under the dome, and there would be lots of natural light. Just...brilliant! Mind you, that space would be, like, our entire library area...
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