The library was designed by the firms of
Fowler Bauld & Mitchell (FBM), architects in Atlantic Canada since 1917, and
schmidt hammer lassen of Denmark. This library was designed and built not only to leave an impression on all who view it but also to achieve
LEED Gold status as an energy efficient building. Built with a wide range of amenities including cafés, an auditorium, and community rooms, the library opened on December 13, 2014 and almost immediately won a Lieutenant Governor’s Design Award in Architecture for that year.
About LEED Certification
The Central Library is aiming to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). LEED certification provides an internationally accepted third-party verification of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a holistic approach to sustainability by evaluating the design, construction, and operation of buildings in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, responsible material selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovative design. Credits and prerequisites are organized into these six categories. A building is rated based on the total point score achieved, with four levels of certification (certified, silver, gold, and platinum).
Read more at the Central Library
5 neat things about Halifax's new Central Library
1. Design
From the outside, the skewed angles of stacked glass levels look like simple geometry, but Roland Doucet, construction manager for Ellis Don, said there was nothing simple about the design.
"The geometry of this building is very unique. We’re used to building square buildings. This is a collection of square buildings stacked one on top of another — kind of twists and turns — so that's been a huge challenge for us," he said.
"Lines are offset one to the other and we’re kind of used to building things plumb and square, right angles and this one is all about being offset and not lining up with things so visually it’s very challenging for us to construct something like that."
2. Music studio
The new library is breaking old library conventions, encouraging visitors to make noise at the on-site recording studio. People can bring instruments to the library and play, record, and burn a CD.
"What we've created in the red corner there is actually a music studio — mixers and instruments to allow children and teens to be creative," said said Bruce Gorman, the director of library services.
3. Halifax's living room
A coffee shop on the building's fifth floor offers spectacular views of the city in what’s being dubbed "Halifax's living room." The spot is on the cantilevered portion of the building that hangs over Spring Garden Road.
"We've come a long, long way. Modern libraries are not what they were. In this library you don't have to be quiet, you can drink a coffee in this library," said Gorman.
"Modern libraries have changed. Communities need social spaces now and that’s what this library provides."
There is also another cafe on the bottom floor.
4. Naming rights are up for sale
Naming rights for individual rooms and facilities within the building are also up for grabs — for the right price, of course.
5. New auditorium space
The 108,000 square-foot library also boasts a 300-seat auditorium with collapsible bleachers. That's perfect for smaller performances in Halifax's entertainment scene.
The $57.6-million building is expected to be completed in the summer and should open some time this fall.
From CBC News