Architect: LGA Architectural Partners
Location: Scarborough, Ontario
Completion Date: 2023

First open to the public in 1971, The Albert Campbell Branch of the Toronto Public Library (TPL) is a Brutalist structure from the oeuvre of Canadian firm Fairfield & DuBois. Its interior finishes—exposed concrete block and red metal ceiling panels—often evoked comparison to the work of Paul Rudolph. However, decades after its initial completion, the library’s confusing layout, dark interiors, and a need for additional space prompted TPL to seek architectural expertise to make much-needed upgrades.

TPL engaged the services of LGA Architectural Partners, a Toronto-based practice specializing in civic architecture that had previously designed the TPL’s nearby Scarborough Civic Centre Branch.

Initially, the client expected a complete replacement or significant expansion to the existing structure. However, LGA was able to demonstrate a reimagined ground floor—space that had previously been designated for back-of-house functions—could add significant public space to the library.

The architects then proceeded to reclad the library’s energy inefficient envelope, covering the original concrete block in GFRC panels to improve insulation.

On the exterior of the library, GFRC was chosen as the new cladding material for its relative lightweight and durability. When specifying the panels, the architects opted for a darker color scheme to replace the original white and red.

“Relative to the wood ceilings in Fir, we chose black and dark grey as the complement colour, for window frames, guards, etc. For the exterior colour we chose a dark grey to match those elements. The dark cladding also gave the building that weight we wanted,” said Brock James, partner-in-charge of the project.

The building’s half-circular canopies were covered with black-colored aluminum C-channels that follow the radius of the curve.

The demolition of the building’s elevated concrete entrance necessitated the design of a new lobby space at the ground floor. Portions of the second floor were removed, creating a double-height space, and new windows were added, furnishing views of the outdoor landscaping.

Miinikaan Innovation and Design served as the project’s Indigenous consultant, contributing heavily to the building’s new front yard where a medicine wheel garden and native plant species were planted. Red Urban Nation Artist Collective was commissioned to paint a mural on a wall perpendicular to the entrance.

To improve circulation and lighting, LGA unearthed the building’s ground floor, carving a landscaped incline from what had previously been an elevated concrete walkway. On the interiors, new wood panels were installed on the ceilings, concealing the building’s improved mechanical systems and improving acoustic dampening within the space.

To reference the library’s original red ceilings, LGA decorated the building’s entrance and elevator shaft in red tile. The firm also maintained the undulating ceiling concept, which climbs and descends diagonally between levels, but altered its placement to accommodate HVAC improvements.

Preservation work was also performed on the library’s exposed concrete block walls. Excess paint was removed and fastener holes were covered up. Care was taken to match the original color and texture of the blocks.

Though complicated, the renovation of the existing library has sequestered massive amounts of embodied carbon. It also preserves historically significant midcentury modern architecture, which, in North America, so often lacks proper protection.

Project Specifications

• • Architect: LGA Architectural Partners
  • Indigenous Consultant: Bell and Bernard
  • Indigenous Garden Design and Installation: Miinikaan Innovation and Design
  • Landscape Architect: Aboud & Associates
  • Structural Engineer: Blackwell Structural Engineers
  • Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Enso Systems
  • Civil Engineer: EMC Group
  • Code Consultant: David Hine Engineering
  • Building Science: RDH
  • Acoustic Consultant: Thornton Tomasetti
  • Audio/Video Consultant: Smith and Anderson
  • Elevator Consultant: Solucore
  • Mural Wall: Red Urban Nation Artist Collective
  • Contractor: Pre-Eng Contracting
  • GFRC Panels: Rieder