Brantford Public Library
Working with the Brantford Public
Library team, we transformed their main branch building as part of a wider
strategy to modernize Brantford’s library system.
Redesigning the street presence was central
to supporting the City of Brantford’s downtown revitalization plans. The north
facade was replaced with a wall of glass that opens sightlines between the
library interior, the civic spaces and Laurier University on Colborne Street
East.
THE WOOLCO STORE ON THE
CURRENT LIBRARY SITE
BEFORE CONSTRUCTION, THE LIBRARY
WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE STREET
THE LIBRARY IS NOW CONNECTED VISUALLY TO
COLBORNE AND MARKET STREET
THE WOOLCO STORE ON THE
CURRENT LIBRARY SITE
BEFORE CONSTRUCTION, THE LIBRARY
WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE STREET
THE LIBRARY IS NOW CONNECTED VISUALLY TO
COLBORNE AND MARKET STREET
Workshop cut new windows into the west wall to bring in more natural light and make a better connection to Market Street.
Starting at the main entrance, the library was reordered to simplify wayfinding, to seamlessly integrate accessible requirements and to make a space that felt generous and welcoming.
We worked with the library staff to support their new delivery models. This included upgrading equipment for self check-out and book sorting to free up staff to move around the space rather than be tethered to one place.
The new
round circulation desks located in the middle of the library spaces are
multi-directional and a new makerspace and audio-visual hub were added to
expand the existing services.
— Thomas Petch“In reconsidering the role of the library in a digital age, it is clear they have become more important than ever and their support services have expanded.
It was an exciting challenge to tackle how architecture can support the technological upgrades and rewarding to see the value people found in their new library experience.”
Client: City of Brantford and Brantford Library
Location: Brantford, Ontario
Date: 2018
Team: David Colussi, Thomas Petch, and Elaine Chau
photos by Scott Norsworthy
Location: Brantford, Ontario
Date: 2018
Team: David Colussi, Thomas Petch, and Elaine Chau
photos by Scott Norsworthy