by Laura Walz editor@prpeak.com Powell River Public Library has chosen an architectural firm to prepare a design concept for a new library.
The Miller Hull Partnership, from Seattle, Washington, was selected from eight companies that responded to a request for proposals. The firm will work with Public Architecture and Communications, a Vancouver company.
Miller Hull will develop the conceptual design of a new library with library staff user groups and interested community stakeholders. They will utilize a comprehensive community engagement approach including three interactive community engagement events and other community consultation strategies.
The first public engagement session is planned from 5 to 9 pm on Monday, November 28 at Powell River Recreation Complex. Library users and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend this session to help provide direction for the design of the new library.
“We are well known for our collaborative communication style with the public for the design of our projects,” said Ruth Baleiko, a principal at Miller Hull who will be the lead architect on this project. “Perhaps more than any other project type, the design of the modern day library requires flexibility and an openness to all ideas. Furthermore, we are thrilled to help design this library on an absolutely breathtaking site.”
In March, City of Powell River council voted to prefer the waterfront site at the corner of Marine Avenue and Abbotsford Street, known as the old arena site, for the development of a new library.
“We’re excited to be working with our new architects and looking forward to working with everyone in Powell River to design this new library,” said Charlie Kregel, chief librarian.
Miller Hull specializes in award-winning design for public and private buildings that actively engage their communities, according to the company’s press release. It has designed nearly 20 libraries in North America and the firm is the recipient of the prestigious National Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects.
Public Architecture is known for its innovative design processes mixed with modern construction technology. The Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s newly finished Aboriginal Gathering Place has received two architectural awards from prestigious industry bodies.
David Todtmann, project manager with MHPM Project Managers Inc., said Public Architecture is familiar with Canadian legislation and policies, such as Wood First and LEED requirements. “They’re slightly different to what’s happening in the United States,” he said. “They joined the partnership to adequately represent the library on this.”
The Wood First Act, passed by the BC government in 2009, aims to increase demand for wood products by requiring provincially-funded projects to use wood where suitable and supported by the BC Building Code. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a third-party certification program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
