Best of Canada award winner

Project:
Richmond Public Library, Ironwood Plaza Branch

Client's need:
A library environment unlike any other built before it.

Design challenge:
Create a space that combines elements of retail and entertainment design, while accommodating the latest in technology. The library serves a broad, multi-cultural community, therefore it was necessary to design a layout that's easy for all to understand with a minimal amount of signage.

DH Designs' solution:
To meet these challenges, DH Designs worked with Kasian Kennedy Gardner Architects to:

• lay out the space in a sweeping curve, to make the entire branch visible to the customer upon entering
• enhance this impression by making the stairwell and elevator core transparent
• use different finishes and variations in lighting levels to define feature areas such as:
  • popular reading section;
  • Chinese language section;
  • living room area, with soft seating, fireplace and beverage services;
  • computer training room;
  • children's area, featuring story-telling barn to reflect the area's agricultural heritage; and
  • quiet study area.
• install specialized lighting for extended computer usage (the library has 50 terminals for access to the Internet and the latest on-line reference technology).

Client:
Richmond Public Library & The City of Richmond

Design Team:
DH Designs
Kasian Kennedy Gardner Architects

General Contractor:
Heron Construction & Millwork Ltd.

Furniture & Fixtures:
Heritage Office Furnishings, Bury Media, Krug Furniture & Interwest Interiors Inc.

Photography:
Ed White Photographics

Second floor entrance lobby

Self Check-out, information kiosks and non-fiction stacks


Livingroom area and internet bar


Children’s area featuring the story telling barn


Bestseller and Chinese material area

Floor plan