Ideas for New Look for the Downtown Library

[KC]

In another thread (see last link below) there seemed to be a growing consensus that the Edmonton Public Library downtown (Stanley Milner) doesn't exactly enhance our downtown or Churchill Square.

Some suggest a new library would enhance the district. So, Im wondering if a minor/major facelift couldn't do wonders with the existing building.

Maybe just a better than the dirty white pillar paint scheme? Or a new pyramidal shell to cover up the "Remand Centre" styled upper floors? Or an avenue covering northface addition in keeping with the original southface style, that could to open right onto Churchill Square itself? Any creative ideas?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/52/14...6e7e79b253.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/44/14...3a68e5.jpg?v=0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/funwithlight/3463575207/

http://img.groundspeak.com/waymarkin...120308cbdb.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/...3b7e53eab8.jpg

And this is interesting... what someone feels is an attractive view to promote Edmonton
http://www.traveltocanadanow.com/art...article_id=133

Once upon a time... (worth zooming in on for a good look - it's hard to believe that was in Edmonton)
https://archivesphotos.edmonton.ca/P...1hZ2VzXzUwNTIy

https://archivesphotos.edmonton.ca/P...f=&ph=VHJ1ZQ==


What do we need next in the Arts District?
http://www.connect2edmonton.ca/forum...ad.php?t=15872

[KC]

Maybe even something like this Strasborg Train Station

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paspog/...7616236797340/

http://medias.cafebabel.com/8885/thumb/545/-/8885.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hayleyevery/3515508225/

[Komrade]

This would be great yes. But with new branches coming in Clairview, and complete rebuild of Highlands, I think this would be at least 20 years down the road.

But this thread is about ideas so sorry to rain on parades.

[Channing]

And a rebuilt of Jasper Place Library, and a new one in Meadow (Next to the new rec center) I think it's safe to say that library construction isn't stopped at two, and that you nor I know what can be done.

[Doug]

So sad that we tore down the old library downtown. What a beautiful building.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Originally Posted by Doug

So sad that we tore down the old library downtown. What a beautiful building.

It was deemed too small for a library at the time, but I wish the building was retained for another purpose.

Speaking of which, is the Carnegie library funding thing still around?

[darrellinyvr]

Amsterdam Central Public Library,

The top floor as a extremly popular fresh market type restaurant similar to Sunterra ,with an open patio up top The interior is done in an airy atruim style. The exterior in this pic makes it look rather dull but is actually a light granite stone the reddish material around the windows are cedar.

More pics at www.Arnewde.com

[Edmcowboy11]

Ok, here's an idea, maybe the idea sucks but try to imagine this. On the upper part of the library that looks like a remands center, remove all the concrete and replace it with a glass curtain wall. It would make the building a bit more inviting at least.

[Edmonton PRT]

How about the Chicago Library?



A new facade? I think that the library should be bolder and come right to the sidewalk and have a facade at least three stories tall.

Nigel Peck Centre For Learning And Leadership - a library building at Melbourne Grammar.





There is nothing like a classical addition to the front. Does this scream "Here is the library!"


Cincinnati Library

[Edmcowboy11]

Originally Posted by Edmonton PRT

There is nothing like a classical addition to the front. Does this scream "Here is the library!"

I really like this style for a library, now how about something like this but with some modern touches.

[darrellinyvr]

Originally Posted by Edmcowboy11

I really like this style for a library, now how about something like this but with some modern touches.

Something modern yet classical to "mirror" the columns on City Hall?

[moahunter]

Build a virtual library. A room with e ink readers, and servers behind that.

[Edmcowboy11]

Originally Posted by darrellinyvr

Something modern yet classical to "mirror" the columns on City Hall?

Yes something to that nature. Here is a picture I found that could be something along the lines of what I'm thinking.


Now instead of the glass front to be as pictured, how about the glass to be styled similar to the front of city hall.

[MylesC]

Now just photoshop in a gaggle of street skater kids and you'll have the front of the Milner!

[Channing]

Having walked across Churchill square a couple times in the past day, I took a look from the center of it towards City Hall, where you can see the full building. Turning to look at the library, the entire main floor is obscured from view by the Three Bananas and the Atco West Wing canopy.

I think that some sort of large classical column structure to match City Hall would not work, being blocked from view and lacking the large front courtyard space. I think maybe something complimentary to the Tickets on the Square/Three Bananas style would be more appropriate.

[Blueline]

Does the city or anyone other than C2E have this on their radar at all ?

[Channing]

I think the City was considering doing some re-skinning of the library, and had at least one architectural firm exploring this option. But this is based on memory, I could be wrong.

[MylesC]

There was the reskinning proposal done by the Re-Imagine movement - not sure if that was actually noticed by the City or not.

http://reimagine.ca/

[darrellinyvr]

Originally Posted by MylesC

There was the reskinning proposal done by the Re-Imagine movement - not sure if that was actually noticed by the City or not.

http://reimagine.ca/

Different, though I like it.

I am wary about projects that re-skin buildings though, the former Centennial building across from city hall is one example, I actually liked the brown aggregate they originally used when it was still an office block, to me now though it looks like 20 stories of siding.

[Edmcowboy11]

The reimagine idea definitely has it's merits although the design there for the library wouldn't be my first choice.
I really do like what they proposed for Chancery Hall.