This project expands the central public library into two floors that were previously used for office space.

Level 8 accommodates a sky-lit double-height space with a grand stair and seating feature, which can be used for lectures, receptions, and other gatherings.  It also contains an auditorium, a reading room, and the relocated administration offices.

On Level 9, nearly one third of the existing building was deconstructed to make way for a public garden terrace with panoramic views of the city skyline.  The remaining interior space on Level 9 features a number of meeting and event rooms for public use.   The entire floor was designed in such a way to create free-flow circulation and visual transparency between the interior and exterior.

A significant project challenge was to implement the major renovation, while the lower seven levels of the public library remained open.

In collaboration with Safdie Architects.