The Ontario Library Association is proud to announce the winners of the OLA Library Building Award – Library Architectural and Design Transformation for their exceptional library renovation projects. Congratulations to the library and design teams on their exceptional submissions.
The award presentation was made at the OLA Annual Institute on the Library as Place event in Mississauga, Ontario.
“A good library space is one that seamlessly integrates functionality with beauty, fostering an inclusive environment for coming together, for learning, and for collaboration. Thoughtful design and innovative architecture are essential in creating spaces that not only meet the diverse needs of their communities but also inspire and uplift all who visit and work there.” Said Michelle Arbuckle, Executive Director of the Ontario Library Association. “Congratulations to Western University and Toronto Public Library for achieving the seemingly impossible task of creating a library space that serves a variety of purposes, is aesthetically pleasing, and stays within budget.“
2024 Library Architectural and Design Transformation Award: Toronto Public Library – Albert Campbell Branch
LGA Architectural Partners
From the jury: “The project is a contemporary transformation of the existing 1970s building, carving out the site to establish a prominent connection to the street and the community while providing more library space to the public. The light-filled library and wood finishes provide a vibrant, yet warm and welcoming interior lending itself to all day enjoyment of library spaces and services.“ – Tina Ranieri
D’Ovidio, ward99 architects
“The decision to modify the exterior forecourt and building entrance sequence was a truly transformative, inventive element to the project. I appreciated the modifications to the building did not diminish, but preserved and then enhanced the heritage elements of the building.” – Settimo Vilardi, Archon Architects Incorporated, OAA President
Honorary Mention: Toronto Public Library – Wychwood Branch
Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.
From the jury: “As a huge fan of Arts and Crafts architecture and design, I was thrilled to see the thoughtful renovation of the iconic Eden Smith library. A jewel box within a jewel box, the new library is anchored by the brilliant Nautilus-like staircase and soaring Great Hall.“ – Darcy Glidden, Barrie Public Library
“The design was extremely successful in weaving together the heritage building with a new contemporary addition through the use of well considered modifications to the existing building. This was particularly evident in the decision to construct an interconnecting stair on the entry level to the second floor, and mezzanine, which I felt venerated the heritage elements of the existing structure while also contemporizing them“ – Settimo Vilardi, Archon Architects Incorporated, OAA President
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients’ creative builds and demonstrated skills in original space-making for their communities.
About the Award
The OLA Library Building Awards encourages and showcases excellence in the architectural design and planning of libraries in Ontario. The award is divided into two alternating categories: Library Architectural and Design Transformation and New Library Buildings. Each runs every three years.
The Library Architectural and Design Transformation Award is for projects that were renovated, completed, and in-use between July 2021 and July 2024. The award aims to encourage and showcase excellence in the design of renovations in libraries located in Ontario.