hughes condon marler architects: jasper place library

the new jasper place library by HCMA all images courtesy HCMA

the new jasper place library by canadian hughes condon marler architects (HCMA), who are working in joint-venture with dub architects encompasses, the edmonton public library’s aspirations to create a flexible, open and memorable presence in the community.

with an eye to a potentially bookless future, the 15,000 sq ft library is focused more on social spaces than on books. the ground floor is occupied by staff functions as well as a double-height reading room consisting of book stacks and reading areas. the public area extends above the staff area to a mezzanine level overlooking the central space. stairs-some of which are designed to double as reading spaces or an amphitheatre are located at each end of the mezzanine to form a continuous circulation loop for patrons. 

this landmark project will generate civic pride, with its distinctive roofscapes and strong profiles set against the prairie sky and surrounding trees.

from the road, the concrete roof acts as a unifying enclosure and reinforces the continuity of public space. the design takes advantage of the site’s exposure to vehicle and pedestrian traffic and the potential of light rail transit along the adjacent road to the west. for the community, it offers a friendly welcome by using transparency to open its south and west faces to passersby.

sustainability on all fronts is a central focus. the design seeks to create a memorable space of lasting social value. the functional longevity is strengthened by an open, flexible floor plan that can accommodate future reorganization and adaptation. the facility is targeting LEED – silver certification.

how the roof joined to the building