The search is over: DIALOG and Snøhetta have been selected from a shortlist of four to design a new central library in the Canadian city of Calgary. Planned for a prime location adjacent to City Hall, the 280,000 square foot “landmark” will “strengthen the fabric of community life by weaving East Village, the original heart of Calgary, back into the story of Centre City.” Once complete in 2018, the new library will serve over 140,000 workers and students who travel downtown every day.
“Calgarians responded with enthusiasm, passion and pride,” stated Janet Hutchinson, Calgary Public Library Board Chair, after conducting a 6-month public engagement program. “They clearly see their libraries as essential parts of a complete community, and their collective input will be a rich source of inspiration for the project team. The Calgary Public Library is grateful to every citizen who participated in the process and provided such thoughtful input.”
In response to this input from the public as well as from library customers and staff and The City of Calgary, the New Central Library will be designed with spaces that are flexible, specialized and community-oriented in a building that’s 66% larger overall than the existing downtown library. This multi-faceted family destination and gathering place will include a physical collection of approximately 600,000 books, special programs and spaces for children and teens, a technology commons and laboratory for innovation, a centre that supports inclusive community integration and advancement through skills development, and much more.
DIALOG and Snøhetta will now begin the design process. We will keep you updated as the project moves forward.
