Hazel McCallion Central Library: A Design for the Present and Future

Inaugurated in 1991 in Mississauga, Canada, as an extension of the Mississauga Civic Centre, the Hazel McCallion Central Library now stands at the heart of a major project led by RDH Architects (RDHA). After almost 30 years with no large-scale renovations, the building was calling for revitalization – not just functionally, but also to respond to the needs of the evolving demographic and cultural dynamics of the city.

Reconnected spaces, natural light, new languages

Envisioned as a dynamic hub for creativity and interaction, the project reorganized interior spaces, redefined geometries, and updated materials, transforming the library into a more open and accessible facility without compromising its original character.

A key element of the project was the restructuring of two large atrium spaces, which were previously separate and poorly illuminated. Originally octagonal, they were transformed into cylindrical volumes finished in micro-perforated plasterboard and painted white to reflect natural light and improve acoustics.

Beneath the expansive glass ceilings, numerous suspended discs made of industrial felt diffuse light and absorb sound, while Nathan Whitford’s lighting installation Lightfall adds dynamism to the atria with its visually compelling design.

The color palette is neutral throughout, with white surfaces and dark gray floors setting the tone. Natural materials, such as the exposed concrete of the columns, structure the space, while carefully calibrated lighting highlights each area.

A flexible, innovative library for a community

The design team reimagined the interiors to be flexible and seamless, with open-plan spaces intended to foster collaboration and reinforce the building’s visual identity. Besides reading rooms, the facility offers areas for podcasting, a teaching kitchen, a 3D printing lab, meditation rooms, and even a lounge dedicated to virtual reality and gaming.

Occupying a 560 m² expansion on the fourth floor, the new Sky Reading Lounge is enclosed by glass walls with panoramic views of Celebration Square. It was conceived as an oasis of light and tranquility.

Outside, additions such as metal cladding on the entrance pavilion and updated glazing in the reading room strike a balance between the building’s original postmodern language and a more contemporary aesthetic, reaffirming the library’s central role in the public life of the city.

>>> Discover Shinsegae Namsan, designed by Robert AM Stern Architects (RAMSA)