Calgary's New Central Library

Entuitive

Calgary, AB

Named one of Architectural Digest’s Libraries of the Future, and one of the World’s 12 Most Anticipated Buildings of 2018, Calgary’s new Central Library is one of Alberta’s most important and distinctive cultural institutions. The building, which sits over Calgary’s busiest LRT line, presented many unique structural challenges. Entuitive’s team utilised cost-effective structural solutions to accommodate the large column-free spaces at the main entrance. Innovative construction approaches, especially for the encapsulation design were utilized to minimize the number of required LRT shutdowns. The use of high-level slag in the concrete, which has a high percentage of recycled content in the mix, greatly reduced embodied carbon emissions for cement manufacturing. The exposed concrete also reduced the overall amount of finishes than would otherwise be required in a building of this scale. The library has been celebrated for incorporating design-forward features, including an interlocking hexagonal façade and a western cedar clad grand entryway portal inspired by Alberta’s Chinook Arches. For the jurors, this project represents the library of the future - a hub located in the middle of the city that showcases Calgary and is accessible to the entire community.

Press release
Canadian Consulting Engineer article