atelier kastelic buffey installs a miniature library in a toronto suburb

atelier kastelic buffey installs a miniature library in a toronto suburb
image by bob gundu

a community-supported pop-up library has been installed in newmarket, an intensifying suburb of toronto. designed by atelier kastelic buffey (AKB), the ‘story pod’ has been placed at the edge of a recently completed civic square, creating a lively hub within the neighborhood’s victorian-era architecture.

the pop-up library has been installed in newmarket, an intensifying suburb of toronto
image by bob gundu

the abstract black volume acts as an urban marker, attracting passersby from nearby main street and an adjacent riverside walking trail. as visitors move around the box, the rhythm of its vertical slats changes. the tightest spacing articulates opaque walls, while the larger gaps allow light and views to filter through. the widest openings display the internal book stacks, showcasing the spines and encouraging readers to enter.

the design has been placed at the edge of a recently completed civic square
image by bob gundu

during the day, two of the walls pivot open like the covers of a book. guests are encouraged to both take and leave reading material, or simply lounge on the built-in seating. at night, when the doors are locked, energy efficient LED lights — powered by self-sustaining rooftop solar panels — glow through the lattice work like a lantern, providing ambiance for night markets or community events.

the abstract black volume acts as an urban marker, attracting passersby
image by bob gundu

the design team utilized standard dimension lumber and plywood in order to minimize production waste. the pod was constructed by a team of volunteers, while AKB undertook the project pro bono. the concept was initiated by holliswealth, who donated funds for the purchase of materials.

two of the walls pivot open like the covers of a book, welcoming people inside
image by shai gil

guests are encouraged to both take and leave books
image by shai gil

built-in seating allows visitors to sit and read
image by shai gil

energy efficient LED lights are powered by rooftop solar panels
image by bob gundu

as visitors move around the box, the rhythm of its vertical slats changes
image by bob gundu

gaps in the façade allow light and views to filter through
image by bob gundu

an aerial view of the site, located due north of toronto’s city center
image by bob gundu

project info:

architecture: atelier kastelic buffey
location: newmarket, ontario
size: 64 sqf / 6 sqm
architectural team: aaron finbow, kelly buffey
sponsor: holliswealth
construction: town of newmarket, operations services staff
photography: bob gundu and shai gil