Webster Library: Exploring new ways of knowledge sharing

Compiled by Team IAnD

Photography: Adrien Williams; courtesy v2com

Read Time: 2 mins

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Concordia University's new Webster Library, a new standard in academic and institutional libraries has opened its doors just a week ago after five years in the making…

With newer, more dynamic methods of knowledge sharing dominating mainstream lifestyles, the Webster library, designed and realised by Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes, is a major expansion and renovation project aimed to create a landmark on campus, a central location to boldly integrate digital technologies and anticipate changes inherent to the next generations of libraries.

 

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The main challenges were concerned with the redeployment and optimization of existing spaces to increase the seating capacity from 1,500 to 3,300 seats, the redefinition of service areas [counters, offices, consultation] and use [reading areas, collaborative work], the maximization of stack space for books and the enhancement of the digital collection. 

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The conceptual approach developed by the architects produced a clear strategy regarding the organisation of the collections and users’ circulation routes. Playing on the theme of anamorphosis, the project proposes a complex network of lines and colour swatches, which challenge the user’s perception and suggest that learning and knowledge are constructed from an individual point of view. The new library reflects the evolution of knowledge and active learning as a new way of sharing knowledge.

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Thus, the pavilion housing the library is polychromatic and marked using multiple grids of finishes. The main finishes consist of black (stack spaces) and white (individual workspaces), which clearly differentiate and distinguish the premises in the new library, while a skilful variation of secondary colours indicates the transition between the four floors of the project.

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Strategically located at the edge of the stairs, the loan counter and the “Ask Us” reference area identify their presence as a first point of service. Further on, no-noise zones, quiet areas, solo and collaborative work spaces are efficiently identified, and planned to modulate levels of silence depending on their location. 

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The program elements (loans and information counters, etc.) are small volumes of wood, sometimes covered with metal inserts, sometimes connected by a white, triangulated ceiling element. Designed to meet the needs of everyone, each area of the Webster Library benefits from improved visibility, while affirming its own identity.

Fact File:

Client: Concordia University

Project Name: Webster Library

Architecture: Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes

Partner-in-charge Yves Dagenais

Principal co-designers Jean-Pierre LeTourneux and Paolo Zasso

Area: 16,550 sq. m.

Location: Montréal