Conestoga news

July 20, 2018 1:36 PM

Conestoga Library receives design award

On July 12, Conestoga’s Library Services team was honoured with a 2018 Library Architectural and Design Transformation Award from the Ontario Library Association (OLA). The award, presented at the Annual Institute on the Library as Place event in Toronto, recognizes excellence in renovations, restorations and interior redesign and refurnishing in the architectural design of libraries.

Conestoga College - OLA 2018 award.jpg
On July 12, Conestoga's Rachel Caldwell and Trish Weigel Green accepted the 2018 Library Architectural and Design Transformation Award from the Ontario Library Association. The award recognizes the college's Library revitalization project at the Doon campus.

Conestoga completed the library revitalization project at the Doon campus in 2015. Designed by MMMC Architects, the library now provides 27,000 square feet of research and learning space, including quiet study areas, meeting rooms for students working on collaborative projects, and expanded seating areas with integrated technology access. The space is bright and welcoming to draw users in.

“The design and renovation of library spaces in Ontario take into account the evolving nature of libraries,” said Shelagh Paterson, OLA executive director. “Students and community members use these spaces to collaborate on projects, to experiment with digital technologies, and to make use of a vast array of resources. We think it is important to honour the effort and expertise in transforming these vital spaces.”

In judging the award submissions the jury said Conestoga’s revitalization project “is an excellent example of creative re-imagining, thoughtful re-visioning, and bold transformation of a college library within an existing footprint and existing campus infrastructure.”

During the event, Library director Trish Weigel Green and Rachel Caldwell, manager, Services & Operations, provided a presentation on the revitalization project and shared considerations other libraries and architects may be interested in when working on future projects..

“We are honoured to have our library and college recognized with this award,” said Weigel Green. “Although it has always been a centre of activity, the investment from the college, combined with the creative vision provided by MMMC, has elevated the library to a focal point on campus. The changes to our Library demonstrate the innovative approach to space and service delivery we take pride in at Conestoga.”

Library Services works to advance and enrich student learning, contribute to teaching excellence and support research at Conestoga. Online services are available to students and employees at all Conestoga campuses, and locations at Doon and Cambridge - along with a new location opening this fall at the Waterloo campus - also serve the college community.