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Architects: Perkins&Will
- Area: 80000 ft²
- Year: 2022
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Photographs:Scott Norsworthy
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Manufacturers: Terrazzo & Marble, Archmill House, Armstrong, ByNature Design, Caesarstone, Centura, Dulux, Glass Canada, Haworth, Kahrs, Kawneer, Keilhauer, Teknion
Text description provided by the architects. Originally designed by John Andrews in 1967, the D.B. Weldon Library has been Western University’s central library for more than 50 years. Prior to renovation, however, the Brutalist building reflected an outdated vision of academic libraries: the building was designed as a repository for print collections with limited study space, low access to daylight and fresh air, and a distinct shortage of the programs and spaces that support 21st century learning. Western and Perkins&Will have collaboratively reimagined Weldon as a modern academic library—a place to support a diverse range of activities, collections, and users—and enable innovative, interdisciplinary scholarship. The first phase of Weldon’s transformation celebrates its original architecture and introduces a variety of dynamic learning environments, prioritizes the health and well-being of users, promotes exploration and discovery, and drastically improves operations and building performance.
