A quick tour of Jasper Place library branch
The branch opens Feb. 25, 2013. Watch for my article on the new branch and the Edmonton Public Library's commitment to interesting architecture running this weekend at edmontonjournal.com.
Construction crews put the finishing touches on the Jasper Place library branch, 156 street & 90 avenue. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/5vFL6yvT- That's Kevin Kramers, Edmonton Public Library director of facilities and operations, in the foreground. He gave me a tour of the facility Friday.
These LED lamps create a gentle ambient light. More powerful lights will be banked off the concrete roof. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/Zk0HlIya- You can see the extra bright lights on the wall shinning into the camera. They'll be turned upward before the opening and banked off the ceiling to give a quiet ambient light.
Wooden slats provide visual interest on the concrete ceiling while reducing echoes. #epl #jasperplace http://pic.twitter.com/7stn5lVD
Duct work and electrical cords are all stored under the raised floor, making it easier to add outlets if needed. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/mrjo33H5
Floor ducts also allow for passive heating. Warm air exits at the level of the library patrons. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/4lNezODs
High windows open automatically to release heat on warm summer days. #epl #jasperplace http://pic.twitter.com/2uD8HSIV- They will still be adding a series of wooden fins across part of this window to further control how much sunlight enters.
The community meeting room is lined with wood paneling recycled from the glulam beams of the original branch. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/XflN6JgX- The community room will have a capacity of 60, and be open for library programs and community meetings, such as a soccer association.
Cork turns this entire wall by the book return into a bulletin board. #epl #jasperplace http://pic.twitter.com/IltsqjSJ- Note the pink light by the entrance. It's "EPL pink," to incorporate their branding. Sorry, but I'm not sure I'm such a big fan of that (although officially, this reporter of course doesn't have an opinion).
Architect Michael Dub stands in the children's area on the north side near the future garden. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/FYH9cDux- For those who are curious, Michael Dub is Gene Dub's son. His mother and sister are also architects. The architecture firms of the project were local Dub Architects and Hughes Cordon Marler Architects out of Vancouver.
Here's the ramp and stroller parking, a new necessity for avoiding traffic jams. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/D2dMqPoD
A view from the mezzanine into the main area of the 15,000 square foot branch. Chairs by windows, books in middle. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/6997zf2K- The library will have more parking, and 4,000 more square feet than the former building located on the same site.
A lower ceiling in the second floor youth and study area should give an intimate feel. Computers here, too. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/vV44hMNd- The finished building is supposed to have 22 computers, plus a laptop bank for those who want to bring their own.
One of Dub's favourite details, the window continues out onto the second floor balcony. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/5ViIPHPd
I guarantee this will be warmer in the summer! A place to read magazines and newspapers outdoors. #epl #jasperplace http://pic.twitter.com/9TapHEBm- It's south-facing, but sheltered by the elm tree and the roof overhang.
Crews are still insulating the roof. There's also a thermal break in the concrete where the wall meets the roof. #epl http://pic.twitter.com/jPGaJZ48- The thermal break is important to stop the solid concrete slab from conducting heat outdoors in the winter. They used a fairly new German product made of steel rebar and stiff insulation to maintain the strength and structure of the concrete.
