February 6, 2019

Public consultations on the design of the new Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada joint facility begin later this month. Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects are seeking input from the public on the kinds of activities and services this ‘super library’ should provide as well as how it should look.

Don Schmitt, principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects and project lead, spoke to CBC radio about the role of public input in the design process. “The level of consultation really shapes a design to give meaning and relevance to the local community and beyond. It is a blank slate, in that we really haven’t begun the conversation with the community and we think that’s of fundamental importance.”

The $192.9-million project will be located at 555 Albert St. close to a new LRT station just blocks from Parliament Hill and connected to LeBreton Flats. The public consultation process is called the “Inspire555 Series,” named for the building’s address. A series of events engaging diverse groups on a range of topics related to the design will take place in the coming months. More information can be had at Inspire555.ca

To read more about the public’s participation and to listen to the CBC interview, please click here.