A remarkable architectural renovation has transformed the library at Centennial College's Story Arts Campus in Toronto's East York neighborhood, successfully merging contemporary design with the heritage of a 1954 modernist masterpiece. The project, led by architect Harsh Vardhan Jain in collaboration with RDHA, reimagined both the 5,380-square-foot library space and a problematic 1990s addition that had compromised the integrity of the original structure.
The original building, designed by renowned Toronto modernist Peter Dickinson as the Toronto Teachers' College, stands as one of the architect's greatest achievements and was honored with a Massey Medal for Architecture. However, an irregular 1990s addition had protruded from the original structure in sharp contrast to Dickinson's refined design language, creating both aesthetic and functional challenges that required comprehensive intervention.
The renovation process began with the complete demolition of the incompatible addition, including the removal of partitions, staircases, and structural columns to optimize available programming space. This demolition created a clean slate for the design team to refurbish and replace existing mechanical and electrical systems while developing a conceptual approach centered around the theme of lightness, aimed at reinventing the library as a vibrant contemporary space.
The centerpiece of the new design is a sophisticated glass box featuring rhythmic vertical window bays and horizontal alignments that respectfully dialogue with Dickinson's original window patterns. This thoughtful approach creates a harmonious conversation between the historic and contemporary structures. The glass facade incorporates a ceramic frit pattern of vertical striations in cascading widths, creating a trompe-l'oeil impression of elegant internal louvers while effectively reducing glare and minimizing solar heat transmission.
The interior design emphasizes transparency, clear sightlines, panoramic views, and clean materials to inspire a calm, productive environment. The highlight of the largely open-concept floor plan is a spectacular double-height reading atrium and general collections space that accommodates various seating configurations for both individual study and collaborative group learning. Around the perimeter, the designers arranged glass-walled programmed spaces with sliding glass doors, including a maker space and virtual reality studio, private study rooms, faculty offices, and a computer lab that doubles as a media screening room.
A particularly innovative feature is the fully glazed internal facade of the building's corridor system, which functions as an exhibition space while inviting the curiosity of passersby to explore the library. This design element draws additional natural light and views from the building's interior courtyard, further enhancing the sense of openness and connection to the surrounding environment.
The material palette makes extensive use of transparent and reflective elements, including strategically placed mirrors and various glass applications that maximize natural light penetration while dematerializing the architectural language of the new addition. This approach allows the existing historical architecture to be perceived clearly and respectfully. New polished concrete floors contribute significantly to the overall luminosity while providing a durable surface suitable for hosting events and gatherings.
Special attention was given to integrating the new structure with the landscape through minimal interventions. The library experience extends to a small concrete slab courtyard terminated by a concrete bench, while a grey granite sliver cut into the generous front lawn and a river rock "pool" help the building fade elegantly into its natural surroundings.
The project incorporates high-quality custom elements throughout, including a customized perforated 7/8 corrugated metal screen that shields an existing second-story classroom from the new library's aesthetic language. This screen draws light like a theatrical scrim curtain, with aluminum extruded LED lights cleverly hiding the joints to create the appearance of a single continuous surface. The interior features integrated Interlux lighting systems, custom Corian millwork, and carefully selected furnishings by iconic designers including Piero Lissoni and Pierre Paulin, with custom upholstery in soft greys and greens that take cues from both the original building and its verdant lawn setting.
This relatively modest project serves as an independent building element that provides both the existing campus and the neighboring community with a compelling example of how architecture can evolve to incorporate highly sustainable systems within a beautiful, rhythmic, and expressive design framework. The renovation demonstrates that thoughtful contemporary interventions can enhance rather than compromise historic architectural treasures, creating spaces that honor the past while serving the needs of modern educational environments.
