Four shortlisted teams have been asked to design proposals for a new central library in the Canadian city of Calgary. Selected from 38 submissions, the competing teams of local and international architects will harness the power of platemaking to envision a 280,000 square-foot “landmark” for the East Village Calgary.
The four shortlisted teams include:
- 3XN and AECOM (Denmark and Calgary)
- KPMB and BKDI (Toronto and Calgary)
- REX and Group2 (New York and Calgary)
- Snohetta and Dialog (Oslo/New York and Calgary)
“Needless to say, we’re delighted by the enthusiastic response,” said Janet Hutchinson, Board Chair, Calgary Public Library. “It validates the importance and relevance of libraries in creating vibrant, thriving and healthy communities. With its prime location one block east of City Hall in the burgeoning urban community of East Village, the new Central Library will serve Calgary’s growing population as the heart and hub of the city’s network of public libraries, as well as local residents and the 120,000+ workers who travel downtown every day.”
The four shortlisted teams will have until September 4, 2013, to submit their proposals and the Selection Committee will unveil the successful Prime Design Consultant in October. Following the announcement of the successful proponent, the public will be re-engaged to witness how the design components of the new central library program align with the described community needs and uses.
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2015, and the new Central Library is anticipated to open by 2018.
