Resulting from an extensive visioning process exploring the evolving role of the library in the digital age, The Vaughan Civic Centre Resource Library by ZAS Architects is a visionary maker-space dedicated to community learning, gathering, and celebration. Capturing the attention and imagination of the residents of Vaughan, the library’s ethereal façade and shifting translucent form beacon the community, making a clear statement that this is a meeting place created for future of the city. Engaging new users in record numbers since opening, the new community centerpiece aims to empower local residents of all ages and demographics, inviting an exploration of learning in the library with the tools and technology of the 21st century. Adjacent to City Hall, the exterior’s playful geometric form negotiates a shift in scale between City Hall’s Clock tower and historic Sarah Noble House, signaling the beginning of the larger Vaughan Civic Centre Campus. Revealing layers of open interior spaces, the reflective façade appears ever-changing in a constant play of light. As it forms a loop around the anchoring interior courtyard, overlaying glass panels representing the overlap of ideas and user groups who gather inside. Marking an evolution from traditional library architecture, flexible spaces create an empowering community amenity, encouraging social interaction and group learning. Akin to a contemporary bookstore, the library’s marketplace café, and open reading area welcome visitors as they enter the immersive environment. Bright colourful furniture and glass animate a fluid series of spaces, balancing open meeting areas with places for private study. Dynamic lighting acts as a guide throughout the space, directing visitors as they explore the collection.

DESIGN BRIEF Visible from steps inside the entrance and around the building, the outdoor garden courtyard and tree of knowledge are surrounded by collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, a ‘teen-only’ lounge, public-access computers, a large study hall, and an extensive children’s activity area. From the café to the central outdoor courtyard, the vibrant two-storey facility hosts extensive public activity space far beyond the library’s collection of books. Accessible for all with a library card, visitors are encouraged to animate ideas within the library’s maker-spaces. Computer modeling and 3D printers, a media suite, sound recording studio, video studio and green screen all creates hands-on opportunities to learn, discover curiosities and hone craft. Multi-generational and diverse, each space within has been designed to foster learning for wide-ranging user groups. Students from primary school to postsecondary, new Canadian residents, teens, toddlers and parents have all been given spaces to learn and connect with one another. Indicative of a library’s ‘function in –flux’, highly flexible, movable book collection stacks and offer flexibility for librarians and visitors to use the space in multiple ways, as the needs of the community evolve Opening residents to new possibilities of discovery, public areas are transparent and visually interlinked. Expansive glazing at street level engages all passing by to join the activity inside. Social zones, lounge seating, and individual study space surround the perimeter windows, maximizing light and views while creating a direct connection with the neighbourhood beyond. Throughout, dynamic multi-functional spaces embody the library’s shift, from a place of solitude and reflection to one of social connection.