https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/2343 en-us A vibrant new library emphasizes connections within its walls and out to the city, fast becoming a much-needed community hub.

]]> 1503-halifax-central-library-schmidt-hammer-lassen.asp Mon, 16 Mar 2015 12:30:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7436-halifax-central-library Halifax Central Library Built on a former parking lot, the library comprises five canted boxes. The top volume cantilevers out to the north, emphasizing the main entry below it.   Photo © Adam Mørk Halifax Central Library Desire lines toward an adjacent street and footpath run on a diagonal and are expressed in the paving.   Photo © Adam Mørk Halifax Central Library Viewed from the south, a 40 percent ceramic dot frit renders the fourth level orange; a frit of random white letters forms abstracted leaf patterns on other levels.   Photo © Adam Mørk Halifax Central Library Bridges and stairs span the atrium, which is illuminated by a large skylight.   Photo © Adam Mørk Halifax Central Library A public artwork by Cliff Eyland animates the lobby.   Photo © Adam Mørk Halifax Central Library The library, which has more than doubled its collection of books and materials, has dedicated the second floor to children and families.   Photo © Adam Mørk Halifax Central Library Dubbed “Halifax’s Living Room,” the 23-foot-high space within the building’s top-floor cantilever serves as a daylight-drenched lounge where people come to read or take in their city from a novel vantage point.   Photo © Adam Mørk Halifax Central Library A 300-seat flexible performance space can accommodate all manner of gatherings.   Photo © Adam Mørk Halifax Central Library Photo © Adam Mørk Halifax Central Library Image courtesy Schmidt Hammer Lassen Halifax Central Library Image courtesy Schmidt Hammer Lassen Halifax Central Library Image courtesy Schmidt Hammer Lassen Halifax Central Library Image courtesy Schmidt Hammer Lassen