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M A R C H 2 0 2 4 | 81 Hazel McCallion Central Library P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y C I T Y O F M I SS I SSAU GA HAZEL MCCALLION CENTRAL LIBRARY by NATALIE BRUCKNER W hen the newly transformed Hazel McCallion Central Library opened its doors for the grand unveiling on February 3, 2024, it was met with eager antici- pation and a collective sense of pride from the Mississauga community. Eight years in the making, the Library underwent its most extensive renovation since its initial open- ing in 1992, ushering in a new era with approximately 28,000 square feet added to the existing struc- ture. An additional 6,000 square feet of secondary space now graces the fourth floor, overlooking Celebration Square, showcasing the commit- ment to expanding and enhancing the Library's offerings for the community. "The idea for the renovation dates back to about 2015. The build- ing looked tired and dated, needing a refresh to become more inviting and customer-friendly. With the downtown core rapidly expanding, including the addition of multiple new towers, we aimed to ensure the library was well- positioned for the planned growth in the surrounding areas," explains Raj Sheth, commissioner of corporate ser- vices at the City of Mississauga. Built before the Internet age, the goal was to upgrade and modernize the building into a 21st-century digital library for a growing downtown core. "Additionally, with lifecycle assets [envelope, mechanical, and electrical] coming due for an aging 30-year- old building, it was time to improve energy efficiency and reduce the car- bon footprint," adds Sheth. To bring this vision to life, an extraor- dinary team was chosen, including RDH Architects Inc. (RDHA) and Aquicon Construction, working seamlessly over the two-year renovation. Collaborating closely with the City, the team conceived and built out a timeless design paying homage to the library's origins. "The primary vision was to trans- form the interior environment by deconstructing the physical barriers between what were two almost distinct buildings within one envelope. This involved the removal of many interior partitions throughout to connect and reshape two existing atrium spaces to create a significant amount of physical and perceptual interconnection across the plan and within the section of the new spaces," says Tyler Sharp, princi- pal at RDHA. "The approach with this project was not to think of the exist- ing building as a piece of heritage architecture that needed to be pro- tected, but rather to aspire to create the experience of a very different contem- porary architectural experience that contrasts from what one sees on the exterior of the building." As with any renovation of this scale, challenges were present. Sharp explains, "The primary design chal- lenge was changing an existing building with a distinct pre-exist- ing architectural style. This involved significant reworking of spatial geom- etries and structure throughout the interiors, intensified by a modest budget for a building requiring sub- stantial updates and the hope for a major experiential transformation." While the exterior remains untouched, the interior is a stark contrast. What was once a stan- dard corporate-looking space has transformed into a bright and airy environment. One of the most strik- ing elements was of course the two atriums. "We rebuilt the two main atriums in the library, connecting them with free-flowing soft lines that create an open and inviting atmo- sphere. This, coupled with the light art piece and views through the library, is simply spectacular," says Sheth. Other stand-out elements include the cloud like suspended acoustic textiles and the hanging light instal- lations – all elements that Sharp explains work together to help cre- ate the feeling of a new, progressive, interconnected, and fully transformed library experience. The aforementioned light instal- lation, Lightfall, designed by Nathan Whitford of Urban Visuals, is a pair of light installations suspended within the two atria of the Library. "The installa- tions are created with an arrangement of LED fixtures that are hung in a spi- ral form extending within the voids of the two atria," explains Whitford. The arrangement of the fixtures attempts to mimic the way objects often form in nature. The hanging fixtures are distributed according to a dictated form, or set of rules (the spiral shape), but the placement of each fixture deviates a little from the base spiral so the whole form is not immediately revealed to the viewer. Innovation permeates every aspect of the renovation. "This proj- ect integrates one of the largest public makerspace floors I have worked on within a public library," says Sharp. "The library has dedicated the full public area of the lowest level to the concept of public creation in many forms. The notion of encourag- ing public creativity, acquiring the knowledge to use various tools, and to actually build within a public space is something I continue to find innova- tive as a public library program." A fourth-floor reading lounge has also been added, overlooking Celebration Square. It's the ideal place to study or simply enjoy the views of the growing downtown landscape. The lighting and HVAC systems have all been updated and more power outlets and internet access points have been added on every floor to ensure the project met the City's Green Building Standards. Now reopened to the public, the team couldn't be prouder. Sheth cred- its Michael Ferreira, senior project manager at the City, and Alessandra Aquino and Anthony Zanuzzi at Aquicon, for putting their hearts and souls into the project. "Together with RDH Architects Inc. they achieved something remarkable. It has been a journey, but the vision, planning, exe- cution, and commissioning have been amazing, and the public is over the moon," concludes Sheth. A LOCATION 301 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga, Ontario OWNER /DEVELOPER City of Mississauga ARCHITECT RDH Architects Inc. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Aquicon Construction STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT LEA Consulting MECHANICAL /ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT MCW Consultants Inc TOTAL SIZE 28,000 square feet (addition) TOTAL COST $49 million

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