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M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | 77 D.B. Weldon Library Revitalization – Western University R EN D ER I N GS CO U RT E S Y P ER K I N S &W I L L D.B. WELDON LIBRARY REVITALIZATION – WESTERN UNIVERSITY by ROBIN BRUNET F or decades, Brutalist structures were upgraded in ways that didn't reflect their original archi- tectural intent. Today, the emerging trend is to restore them properly as well as make them as energy effi- cient as possible – and such was the case with the revitalization of the D.B. Weldon Library on the Western University campus. Built in the 1960s, Weldon had undergone its fair share of renovation over the years, but its new transforma- tion – which included a new two-storey learning commons on the main floor and mezzanine – began in 2017 with the adoption of the University's Space Master Plan (which identified and addressed the challenges of each of the University's library locations, including Weldon, and outlined how to undertake proposed solutions in a phased, strategic approach). This was followed by a pledge of $15 million from the University in 2018. The project was launched in the fall of 2018 with Western retaining long- time collaborators Perkins&Will and Cornerstone Architecture, the for- mer being the architect of record and design lead, and the latter presiding over construction administration, cli- ent consultation, and the permitting process. This team met with key stake- holders to discuss potential spaces, including the learning commons. By the spring of 2019 Perkins&Will used the information gathered from stakeholders to revise orig- inal concepts from the Space Master Plan, and it also worked through technical and engineer- ing reviews to inform the design and keep within the allotted budget. Andrew Frontini, design director and principal at Perkins&Will, says, "Buildings of the Brutalist style are hard to modify: there's no freedom to move things structurally and you can't poke holes in walls. Yet one of our goals was to make this concrete waffle slab structure bright and engaging." First, the architects improved inte- rior efficiency by consolidating staff rooms on the fifth floor, leaving the mezzanine free for the development of student spaces. Then came a revamp- ing of the lighting in what would be the learning commons. "This area had a great architectural ceiling that was obscured by ceiling lighting, so we took inspiration from outdoor fairs and hung globe lights with cable draped between them for a playful touch –and this provided terrific illu- mination of the entire space," Frontini says, adding that white terrazzo floor- ing tile was installed to enhance the new-found vitality of the interior. Making Weldon more inviting was also accomplished by simply stay- ing true to the Brutalist concept. "Traditionally, Brutalist buildings contained bold and beautiful colours and pop art elements as a counter- point, and the original Weldon library was no exception – but over time these elements were stripped away, so we re- introduced them," Frontini explains. Strategic millwork elements were added to the library, includ- ing a new switchback staircase that curves to the mezzanine, plus ser- vice desks, and workbenches. The architects also transformed a read- ing space into an event space with operable doors adjoining the com- mons. "Unfortunately, due to budget restrictions we had to forego plans for a digital scholarship centre, which would have been in the basement," Frontini says. Tonda Construction Limited began work on the project in January of 2021 with the redevelopment of the fifth-floor staff space, which in turn enabled the learning commons to be revitalized. By September work was underway to renovate the ground, main, and mezzanine floors as well as new library areas such as a family room and community room. Building systems were updated to include a heat recovery system, and windows and skylights were replaced with tri- ple-pane windows. In January of this year the reno- vated D.B. Weldon Library reopened for business and instantly earned praise from staff and students; vice- provost and chief librarian Catherine Steeves says, "There is an incredible energy in Weldon now. It's great to see the students congregating and resum- ing their studies on campus, especially following the disruptions of the pan- demic. Being able to offer them a newly renovated space is just a joy." As far as Frontini is concerned, the library is an example of how beautiful Brutalist can be. He says, "We're becoming experts in tack- ling these kinds of structures, and much credit should go to Western University for being so hands on and helpful throughout the consulta- tion and development process." A LOCATION Western University, London, Ontario OWNER /DEVELOPER Western University ARCHITECTS Perkins&Will / Cornerstone Architecture GENER AL CONTR ACTOR Tonda Construction Limited STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT VanBoxmeer & Stranges Engineering Ltd. MECHANICAL /ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Chorley + Bisset TOTAL COST $15 million

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