A quick look at the four architectural partnerships shortlisted to build the new Halifax Central Library.
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FBM’s philosophy is: “We strive to provide consulting services for the built environment that exceed the expectations of our clients.” FBM clients know what they want–their contemporary institutional style is quite easy to pick out: Citadel High, the Dalhousie Computer Science and New Academic buildings. -
One of Fowler Bauld & Mitchell’s most iconic buildings is the older, and, controversial at the time, Dalhousie Arts Centre. Recognized in Steve Mannell’s book Atlantic Modern as an example of the city’s underappreciated modern architecture: “By far the most radical of the new Dalhousie campus buildings of the late 1960s.” -
schmidt hammer lassen architects: The Danish architecture practice has offices in Aarhus, Copenhagen, Oslo and London. Their focus is on sustainable, emotionally valued buildings. schmidt hammer lassen designed the waterfront Royal Library in Copenhagen (also known as the Black Diamond because it uses black granite from Zimbabwe). -
schmidt hammer lassen designed the waterfront Royal Library in Copenhagen. The firm collaborated with artist Per Kirkeby to create an amazing painting that floats above the information desk. -
According to World Architecture News, schmidt hammer lassen is designing the University of Aberdeen’s new library. “Sitting on a base of Scottish stone, the library is designed to be welcoming – the ground floor, with lounge and café areas, will host regular exhibitions, seminars and poetry readings. The atrium’s vast spiralling volume, reminiscent of Leeser Architecture’s Helix hotel design for Abu Dhabi, connects all eight storeys…The building is designed to minimize long term running costs and energy use. Consisting of an irregular pattern of insulated panels and high performance glazing, the façade will shimmer during the day and glow softly at night, creating a luminous landmark for Aberdeen.” -
Though a global firm, HOK is already familiar with Halifax’s library system. HOK, along with locals MacFawn & Rogers Architects Ltd, are responsible for the Keshen Goodman library in Clayton Park, widely considered by staff and the public to be a successful community branch. The library was awarded Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Design Excellence. -
Lydon Lynch’s aesthetic impact will be felt all over the waterfront, with the development of the Seaport Farmers Market and the Waterside Centre. But the Halifax firm already plays a big role in Halifax’s cultural landscape, as architects of Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and Pier 21. -
This is not the first time that Barrie and Langille and Toronto-based Moriyama & Teshima have collaborated: The partners are best known for their Dartmouth NSCC campus, lauded for its bright, open learning design and dedication to sustainability. The building received Silver LEEDS certification, and the highest score (93 points) of any building in Canada from a Building Environmental Standards audit by the Building Owner & Manager’s Association. -
Proving they can work in tight spaces, Toronto-based Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners have designed many libraries, including this renovation to the London Central Library, which is housed in an old downtown Hudson’s Bay store. The popular library includes an auditorium, garden reading room and a performance hall. Along with library experience, locally they’re responsible for Purdy’s Wharf office tower and Dalhousie’s Kenneth C. Rowe Building. This isn’t the first partnership for Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners w/John K. Dobbs: The partners were recently selected for the Central Nova Scotia Regional Civic Centre in Truro.
