Work on the Killam Library’s atrium began on June 25. Since then, the atrium has been closed to allow for the major work to take place. Atrium access is expected to be restored by approximately July 30. We were initially expecting the atrium to reopen on July 16, but the workers encountered challenges stemming from differences between the drawings they had versus the reality of what they uncovered when they dug up the floor.
Work will continue throughout the summer. The job is scheduled to be completely finished just before school starts. Below are some images of what the atrium will look like when the work is finished. It’s going to be a beautiful and welcoming space, with more seating and new greenery.
New seating area.
New seating areas from another angle.
The new patio and other improvements.
Booth seating. And greenery!
An aerial image.
I do not think it will look like this. I do not see Subway and other outlets in the rendering. Those take alot of space while in rendering above it seems wide and open space. Seems like we will have to zig zag through booths to enter library.
If you look at the first image, on the left is where the Library Bistro is and on the right is where Subway is. You can also see Subway in the right corner of the second image.
I’m going to miss all of the concrete, and I’m not being sarcastic in the least.
Contrary to James Fox, I feel as if this design will improve on the flow of pedestrian traffic through the atrium. Students eating/studying on the patio and booths are separated from those moving from class to class etc, and the clever curve in the booth shape will promote that, allowing the others to be undisturbed. It’s interesting how little design details can alter the function of a space so significantly (assuming all comes out as planned).
When the dust settles, I hope the tops of the Subway flags and other food outlet roof areas, plus the upper floor ledges beside the glass windows will once again be clean surfaces!