Architects seek input on shared and public spaces in the new Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada joint facility
Registration is now open for the next design workshops on Spaces and Relationships in the new Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and Library and Archives Canada (LAC) joint facility, which is set to open in the heart of the National Capital Region in 2024.
At this workshop, participants can provide input on how spaces inside the new facility can complement one another, the exterior and the views.
Participants can also take a fresh look at what LAC and OPL spaces and services will be offered in the new facility, and help inspire a design that is flexible and can adapt to customer expectations for generations to come.
Bring your inspiration to this exciting project! Register now at Inspire555.ca(link is external) for one of two design workshops:
Date: Wednesday, May 1
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Place: Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, Ellwood Hall, 1265 Walkley Road (free parking)
Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Place: Library and Archives Canada, Pellan Room, 395 Wellington Street
All Canadians and anyone unable to attend the workshops will soon be asked to provide input online at Inspire555.ca(link is external).
The workshops and online activities are part of a year-long local and national engagement process to inspire the design of this iconic installation destined to become a must-see attraction in Ottawa. The Inspire555 engagement series will include additional design workshops, a series of pop-up events, and online activities and engagement (local and national).
Last month, 800 people took part in workshops and online activities to provide input on preliminary concepts for the facility as well as preferred viewpoints and site features. At the upcoming sessions, the architects will report back on what they heard, and demonstrate how public input is being incorporated into the design.
The architects and representatives from the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada also visited the Pikwàkanagàn and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Algonquin communities to meet with and learn from Elders and community members, and to share knowledge about the project. Additional meetings, design workshops and knowledge sharing events are planned with these Algonquin communities, and with local urban and national Indigenous organizations.
About the new Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada joint facility
Set to open in 2024, the joint facility will become a landmark destination built on the shared values of the partner institutions. The facility will deliver a rich customer experience through the Ottawa Public Library’s Central Library and Library and Archives Canada’s public services, exhibitions and events, which showcase Canada’s heritage. The joint programming and services will make this a truly unique offering in Canada. It will be a modern, iconic facility that will respond to rapidly developing technology, growing customer expectations and changing demographics.