REX proposes cluster strategy for calgary's new central library

REX proposes cluster strategy for calgary’s new central library
image by luxigon
all images courtesy of REX

new york-based architecture office REX has revealed their proposed design for calgary’s new central library, an entry for an international competition eventually won by snøhetta. as part of the initial selection process, each of the four finalists were asked by the client – the calgary municipal land corporation (CMLC) – to design an adaptable building which would serve as a catalyst for the region’s ongoing development.

within the scheme, the program of required components is stacked vertically
image by luxigon

within the scheme, the program of required components is stacked vertically with the most publicly accessible functions shifted to straddle the tracks of the light rail transit lines that bisect the site. allowing maximum flexibility, the library’s expansion space is positioned adjacent to the main collection offering a variety of potential future uses.

programs are placed in the same zone at each level to create a distinct clarity
image by luxigon

the four sections of the main collection, (the center for community excellence; science, health, and arts; my calgary; and fiction and literature), occupy individual floors, with their programs placed in the same zone at each level to create a vertical clarity. rather than a ‘blank slate library’ that lacks real adaptability, REX’s proposal delimits activities, while providing each element with its own forms of flexibility with different forms of tailored adaptation.

the proposed scheme bridges the city’s downtown with the urban expansion to the east
image by luxigon

serving as both an intellectual and physical point of exchange, the building is positioned at the nexus of many of the city’s axes, and becomes the keystone that bridges downtown with the urban expansion to the east. envisioned as an ‘urban stage’, the centerpiece of the scheme’s public landscaping is an accessible lawn that features a year-round ice rink.

the centerpiece of the scheme’s public landscaping is an accessible lawn that features a year-round ice rink

click through our gallery at the foot of the page for more information on the project’s development in the words of the architects.

the building is positioned at the nexus of many of the city’s existing axes

1/24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: calgary new central library calgary, canada
client: calgary municipal land corporation (CMLC)
program: new central library for the city of calgary, including (a-z) administration space, auditoria, book collections, children’s library, concourse, learning commons, offices, operations, and teens’ center; plus a strategy for a mixed-use site partner and outdoor recreational space
area: 26,600 sqm (286,000 sqf)
project cost: $250 million CAD
status: limited competition 2013, one of the four finalists
architect: REX, group2
key personnel: adam chizmar, stacy christensen, alysen hiller, tomas janka, roberto otero, joshua prince-ramus, ishtiaq rafiuddin, aude soffer, elina spruza, matthew uselman, matthew zych
consultants: magnusson klemencic, scatliff + miller + murray