Residents provide further feedback for new central Ottawa Public Library

Hundreds of residents from the National Capital Region participated in sharing their opinions on art and architectural design concepts for the new Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility.

The Inspire555 Series, which is named after the address 555 Albert Street is an engagement program that allows the public to contribute their ideas into the design of the public space.

The third phase of the series took place on August 21^st. Ottawans and nearby residents were able to discuss among lead architects and artists, and were able to take part in hands-on activities to provide inspiration for the facility.

“I think there is a lot that we are considering when we think of really successful open space,” said Jennifer Nagai, Landscape architect partner at FPS Studio. “For us, it’s really about making sure the space is embraced by the community.”

“A big design principle or an important one to us is really understanding the program and what we hear from the community is somehow embedded in the overall design,” said Nagai. “We want to create a space that’s engaging, that’s inclusive, and that it becomes a real destination and important public space for the realm of Ottawa and nationally as well.”

As for the feedback the majority of it has been positive says Nagai and that it’s important that the community has a say in the development of the site.

“They are going to be the ultimate users,” said Nagai. “The fact they have a say in what happens and they can communicate that and talk about what they want to see, I think is hugely important for the community but also hugely important for us because then we know we won’t be delivering something that won’t be well used or well loved.”

Richard Roberts, Design Director of Jason Bruges Studios also agreed with the importance of engaging with the public regarding the project and applauded the workshop.

“I think what people have to say is really important,” said Roberts. “As an artist you can’t just come in and impose something. I think it’s really important to learn about the facility and to learn from the public what they are interested in and to learn what is appropriate for the site. This is by the far the best organized public consultation I’ve ever done. Everyone is super engaged, people have been asking some interesting questions.”

But is hasn’t all been positive feedback from among those participating in the Inspire555 workshop.

“It does concern me that the landscape people are looking into and how quiet of space we want and what kind of spaces we want to use without taking into consideration that there’s going to be a brand new train system running right next to the space,” said Michael Strasser, a resident of Ottawa since 2011.

“Not only is there supposed to be this train tunnel right next to where they are building a quiet garden where they’re considering having movies, shows, and book readings which you would never hear over the sounds of the trains, But also on the other side of the street is a forty-five story residential tower that is going to cast a shadow over where the library is going to be built,” said Strasser.

But despite his concerns, Strasser was happy to see the workshop provide opportunities to discuss the plans with participants.

“It’s fantastic they are doing these consultations and the facilitator at my table was doing a great job,” said Strasser. “She said she believes the architecture firm is taking into consideration people’s concerns and a lot of the opinions expressed.”

The third phase of the Inspire555 series will continue into Thursday August 22, where another workshop will take place at the Library and Archives Canada building on Wellington Street at 6 p.m.

The joint facility is set to open in 2024.