The Approach

Doing it Right

There are no simple decisions when it comes to repairing and renovating an officially recognized heritage building such as the Library of Parliament. Everything demands careful consideration and planning. The recently completed work on the Library, which began in 2002, was preceded by seven years of preparation.

The architectural team hired for the project—Ogilvie and Hogg, Desnoyers Mercure et associés, Spencer R. Higgins, and Lundholm Associates, architects in joint venture—developed a clear vision for how the work should proceed. Calling their approach 'Layers of History', these collaborators sought to respect the original design and construction of the Library while adding new, modern details and components.

The intervention had to be as minimal as possible, yet be significant enough to extend the life of the building by 50 years at least. Achieving this involved three interrelated objectives: conservation, rehabilitation and upgrading.

• Conservation-preserving the Library's existing features
• Rehabilitation-repairing all damage
• Upgrading-meeting current building standards and preparing for the future

The approach to the project was also environmentally sound. Key accomplishments in this area ranged from the installation of thermal windows and energy-efficient lighting upgrades to the significant diversion of construction waste from landfill sites. (In the end, 82 percent of the waste created by the construction was diverted from landfill disposal.)