Page 72 - Designing Ways 261

Saskatoon New

Central Library

Saskatoon, Canada

Formline, Chevalier Morales, and Architecture49 announce the
latest design developments for Saskatoon’s new central library. In
its vision, public programme, architecture, and urban plan, the
library is conceived as a key pillar in the reconciliation of Indigenous
and Western ways of living and building. Saskatoon’s new central
library will be Canada’s first major public building conceived for the
Reconciliation Era – and beyond. The library will bridge spiritual and
cultural ways of thinking, and experiment with hands-on, practical
spaces for people, books, media, children’s theatre, community
cooking, sharing, and learning.

With the highest ratio of Indigenous residents of any major Canadian
city, and projections suggesting a majority Aboriginal and Métis
population within 50 years, Saskatoon is the ideal location for such an
ambitious library. With an Indigenous-led design team and renowned
Canadian architects who specialise in contemporary library design,
as well as extensive dialogue with Indigenous residents and the
greater Saskatoon public, the library will provide a safe, welcoming
environment for everyone. Indigenous Elders and communities
will feel at home, as well as Saskatoon residents, Canadians, and
international visitors.

Thoughtful urban and site design shape the 142,000 square foot
library, which will play an important role in linking Saskatoon’s
green spaces to Remai Modern Gallery, street shops, and foot traffic
along Second Avenue. Unlike other Canadian cities, Saskatoon has a
lower park-to-person ratio. City-wide, there are 4.4 hectares of green
space for every 1,000 residents, compared to 10 in Halifax and 42 in

Exterior view - North end
Photo credit: Formline | Chevalier Morales | Architecture49

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