St. John’s Library Restoration
Public City Architecture
The St John’s Library restoration and addition
involves the refurbishment of one of three
100-year old, city-owned Carnegie Libraries
and the addition of a modest new entry hall
which doubles as a reading room. Along with
upgrades to building systems to meet new
energy and accessibility codes, the scope of
work includes the addition of a community
plaza and stormwater retention garden
in Winnipeg’s “North End”.
The program of requirements included both
heritage restoration and exterior/interior
accessibility upgrades, but site remediation
and building code upgrades were equal
requirements. Instead of adding an exterior
ramp and elevator shaft to the building (a
solution expressed in the program brief)
a single glass addition was designed to
combine the demands of accessibility and
the desire for an open community reading
room.
Inspired by a vitrine, the glass box showcases
the heritage façade. At the interior, the
façade is left in its native state, modified only
by the removal of one window. The addition
includes a lift, main stairs, a seating area,
magazine racks, and a standing work table.
4 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk