Lead Firm: RDH Architects (RDHA)
Completion: July 2019
The Springdale Library and Komagata Maru Park aspire to create an inclusive gathering place, a progressive architectural expression in the suburbs, and a point of pride for the city. The project's concept is to establish a new type of suburban landscape through the organically shaped perimeter of the building, the creation of an undulating topography of fluid ceilings and mountainous green roof, and the sectional variation of the ground plane. The new Springdale branch provides Brampton with an emboldened organic presence and a sustainable public resource for the community.
PHOTO:ÌýNIC LEHOUX
PHOTO:ÌýNIC LEHOUX AND SANJAY CHAUHAN.
PHOTO:ÌýNIC LEHOUX
PHOTO:ÌýNIC LEHOUX
PHOTO:ÌýNIC LEHOUX
PHOTO:ÌýNIC LEHOUX
"This project is recognized as an innovative approach to urban design in an otherwise undistinguished suburban area. Elegantly—and deceptively simple—the design recognizes both pedestrians and passing motorists and responds to its surrounding context."
"A highlight of this project was the integration and deliberate blurring of ‘landscape architecture’ and ‘architecture’. The combined design visibly demonstrates the value of urban design and its potential to improve even the most banal suburban environments"
"This project is perhaps most remarkable for how it juxtaposes strong architectural and landscape formality to achieve a communal sense of place, urbanity, where there previously was none. The parti of subverting—rather than hopelessly fighting—the suburban nature of the project’s setting appears both pragmatic and purposeful, imbuing the project with a refreshing dose of playfulness and whimsicalness uncommon in such suburban developments."
Jury members