Designer Guys a Hit!

Chamberlain Architect Services Limited Founder and President, Brian Chamberlain, Vice President and Project Architect, John Knox and Designer and Project Coordinator, Kyle Nichols presented the floor plans and interior design features for the renewed Georgetown Branch and Cultural Centre during a public presentation in the Town Council Chambers on February 9th.

Chamberlain, Knox and Nichols guided the public through the layout of the building, highlighting the colour scheme, carpeting, finishes, and furnishings. At a reception following the presentation, design boards and floor plans were available for the public to take a closer look. Members of the Georgetown Branch Planning Committee, construction representatives from Melloul Blamey, and Library staff were on hand to answer questions.

“These design plans show what a truly remarkable facility this will be and how it will be a tremendous asset that will contribute to the vibrancy of our downtown in Georgetown,” said Mayor Bonnette.

Library staff have been significantly involved in the planning of the building. Meeting regularly as a “Form Meets Function Committee”, staff have indicated, from their experience, what is needed in the space to best serve patrons of all ages and abilities. Staff input combined with public consultation formed the basis for the layout and design of the fully accessible and environmentally friendly building.

Much like the new Acton Branch (also designed by Knox and Nichols), the Georgetown Branch interior design echoes the natural setting that defines Halton Hills. The blues, greens and deep plums used throughout the interior combined with the extensive use of natural light, stone and wood echo the landscape of the surrounding area.

“There is a great sense of ‘bringing the outside in’ throughout our plans for this building,” remarked Project Architect, John Knox. “Halton Hills is blessed with an idyllic geography – the winding Credit River, the Bruce Trail, the rolling hills of the Niagara Escarpment, rural farmland and greenbelt. We wanted to express that important connection to nature within this building.”

Beyond the aesthetic appeal of the renewed structure, the Library will serve to greatly enrich the lives of the Halton Hills community. Much more than simply a cultural institution, the Library will be a vital community resource for everyone. Significant social benefits associated with the new facility will include:

• Employment resources - For the unemployed and under-employed by providing free internet access, resume assistance and job search support through expanded community partnership programs and space-sharing arrangements with the Centre for Skills Development and Literacy North Halton,

• Full accessibility - For those using wheelchairs, walkers and strollers by providing barrier-free access to the physical building combined with the latest advancements in assistive technology for those needing greater visual, auditory or dexterity support to enjoy library materials,

• Economic development – For small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing vital resources such as online databases on market trends and information on relevant legislation,

• Affordable entertainment - For families-on-a-budget by providing greater access to new release DVDs, CDs, video games and best-selling books,

• New technologies – By providing e-Reader and e-Book lending programs, free Wi-Fi, free internet stations and “Technology Made Simple” programs to encourage the trial of new electronic equipment,

• Quality programming for beginning readers - For young learners by providing greater opportunities to participate in Library programs which support early literacy development in a dedicated children’s space,

• Cozy seniors lounge – For older adults by providing a comfortable social setting equipped with large-print books, audiobooks collections and special interest programming,

• Safe youth space - For youth by providing conversation space for collaborative school projects and social interaction, wireless internet access, connectivity for laptops and quiet study corners,

• Increased volunteer opportunities - For youth and older adults, to engage in the local community through meaningful work,

• Environmental Leadership – For the community by using energy efficient lighting systems, geothermal heating and cooling, water efficient fixtures, low VOC paints and carpeting, to name only a few of the environmental efforts made in the design and construction of the building. The Library and Cultural Centre will be applying for a Silver Level of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification upon the building’s completion.

• Homework help – For students of all ages by providing greater access to added resources, tutoring space and specialist support,

• Preservation of the heritage, history and uniqueness of Halton Hills - For genealogists and local history enthusiasts by providing a dedicated Local History room and expanded areas for historic collections, thanks to the generous support of the Georgetown Homecoming Committee. Many of the items in the collection have made been made available through a partnership with the Esquesing Historical Society and the Ontario Genealogical Society- Halton-Peel.

• Community meeting space – For community groups by providing well appointed and accessible space for meetings.

It will be a library that the community can be proud of, and that will give back in many ways to many people for many years to come.