The public engagement plan for the design of the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada joint facility will be presented to the Ottawa Public Library Board, tomorrow, Tuesday, February 5.
Don Schmitt of Diamond Schmitt Architects, the firm retained in partnership with Ottawa’s KWC Architects to design the new facility, will present the extensive in-person and online engagement program to inspire the design for the new joint facility, to be located at 555 Albert Street in Ottawa.
Billed as the Inspire555 Series, in a nod to the facility’s address, the national engagement process will include design workshops, pop-up events, expert lectures, online activities and engagement (local and national), and knowledge sharing with Indigenous communities – all planned for 2019.
The Inspire555 series is part of an ongoing dialogue. From 2013 to 2016, more than 3,000 people provided input into the spaces and uses for a new central library. In 2016, following the decision to explore a partnership with Library and Archives Canada, the public provided input into the selection criteria for a site for the joint facility, as well as its functional programming.
Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Time: Board meeting begins at5 pm
Place: Champlain Room, Ottawa City Hall
The Inspire555 Series
Phase 1 Design Workshop: Building Blocks
Participants will be invited to register for one of two design workshops on how to make best use of the site for the new joint facility:
- Thursday, February 28, 6 to 9 pm, Jean Pigott Place, Ottawa City Hall
- Saturday, March 2, 9 am to 12 pm, location to be determined
Starting Friday, February 8, the public is invited to visit Inspire555.ca to pre-register for one of the two workshops.
Online consultation: Building Blocks
In early March, all Canadians are invited to visit Inspire555.ca to view the three concepts presented at the design workshop and provide input into how to make best use of the site for the new joint facility.
Future engagement
The Inspire555 Series will continue throughout 2019 with three additional phases of engagement on a variety of design topics.
For more information on the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada joint facility, and the Inspire555 Series, please visit Inspire555.ca.
Public Inquiries: 311@ottawa.ca
