I'll be the first to admit that I can write stuff that's serious and intense at times. Therefore, on Fridays I'll be featuring something more lighthearted, fun or creative, so we can all end the week on a high note. Have a great weekend!
If you’ve been paying attention in the last few years, you will have read many articles about the the new Calgary Central Library, a building designed by a Snohetta-Dialog joint venture. While most of the press sung high praises of the building, nothing compares to experiencing it in person.
It is a very intuitive, light-filled, beautiful project that is so much more than just a library. One can tell that this is a civic building like they rarely make them. People like to come here and spend time, in spite of the supposed death of physical books.
In a very Calgary-like fashion, they also have a huge indoor playground for kids to hang out and have fun.
I’m rarely that impressed by public buildings but this one is a home run on all fronts: as a civic building, as a neighbourhood anchor, as a public space, a repository of knowledge and a great design where the building isn’t beautiful for its own sake, but a canvas for human activities.