Halifax Central Library competes in World Architecture Festival
International win would be exciting for 'all of Halifax,' says chief librarian
Staff at Halifax's Central Library are hoping the building will land a spot in the history books this week as one of the best buildings in the world.
The architects behind the unique design will take the stage in Singapore Wednesday in hopes of winning at the World Architectural Festival. The building is nominated in the civic and community building category.
"It's an exciting week for us," Asa Kachan, chief librarian and library CEO, wrote in an email. "Regardless of what happens, our experience of the last year has demonstrated to us that Central Library can already be called a world class facility."
The building opened in December 2014 and has drawn huge crowds ever since. On average, more than 6,000 people come through the doors every day — more than double what was expected when it was being built.
The library is a 129,000-square-foot facility that goes far beyond rows of bookshelves. It includes meeting and study rooms, technology areas, cafés and an auditorium. It was recently featured on an episode of Amazing Race Canada.
International acclaim
The international nomination came as a thrilling surprise to the staff. Members of the team from the Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects are in Singapore to make the presentation about their design. They worked with local architects Fowler Bauld & Mitchell.
When the building received the nomination in June, architect George Cotaras told CBC the library and nomination would likely be the biggest success story of his career.
The winner of the award won't be announced until Friday night.
"To receive international acclaim at that level would be exciting for all who work at the library, our architectural partners, the city, and all of Halifax," wrote Kachan.