John P. Robarts Research Library Vs. Ryerson University Student Learning Center (slc)

Introduction

In Canada, the confined expansion space and quest for modernity has driven institutions of higher learning to construct some of the most phenomenal buildings in the world. Complex yet marvelous, University libraries in Toronto have ceased to be mere learning centers, but are moving towards a new age when they double up as architectural tourism attractions. Topping the list are the John Robarts Research Library and Ryerson University Students Learning Center, both located in Toronto, Ontario. These breathtaking marvels of contemporary architecture are built with incredible yet comprehensive art. If they share nothing else, they would still share the magic touch with which they were crafted and constructed. However, in terms of architecture, the two buildings share almost as much similarities as they do the differences. Ideally, they were not meant to be a replica of each other given the need for creativity and uniqueness. On that note, the choice of material, architectural design, lighting, historical factors, and utilization of space would sufficiently describe the two architectural wonders and set them apart from each other, and from other libraries within and without Canada.

Overview of the two buildings

Ryerson Library is the major social sciences and humanities library of the Toronto University Libraries, and the biggest one in the entire university. The building, an emblem of brutalist architecture, has its primary structure anchoring on an equilateral triangle footprint.[1] The architecture is replete with extensive utilization of patterns of triangular geometry throughout the structure. The building’s commanding structure and imposing appearance has got people call it the ‘Fort Book’ in some instances. The Ryerson University students learning center in downtown Toronto has intricately harmonized art and engineering. The eight-floor modern students’ center contains concrete loft spaces with different lighting and size but all dedicated to facilitate learning and socializing among the students within the university. The building is located strategically between Ryerson University library and Yonge Street which is among the major streets in Toronto.[2] Nicknamed a ‘library without books’, the students center is another product of brutalist architecture. The building comes in the backdrop of the quest by the university to have a recognizable presence in the city as well as re-establish its position as one of the top learning institutions in the region. Below are sketches of Robarts Library and Ryerson students’ center respectively.

       

Comparison of the Buildings

As already mentioned the buildings share much more similarities other than just being unique. Fundamentally, both Ryerson students learning center and Robarts university library are works of brutalist architecture. Brutalist architecture features buildings that are generally massive (even if they are not large), predominated by exposed concrete construction, and fortress-like in nature.[3] It is noted that this architecture, throughout history, has been synonymous with educational institutions before finding its way into governmental structures. Regardless, Robarts Library rests on a 3-acre piece of land dotted with tree cover. As already noted, the foundation is rooted in an equilateral triangle footprint whose sides measure 100 meters. Taking the view from the southeast corner, Robarts Library looks like a standing peacock.[4] The concrete elevation differs both in texture and directionality from one point to another. The façade features smooth concrete in horizontal orientation while the vertical orientation is composed of relatively rough concrete. In addition to the concrete, the building is made of steel-framed windows that form bays that protrude from the façade. Like the Robarts Library, Ryerson students’ center’s columns and frame is made of concrete with differing texture. Similarly, fritted glass pattern the façade. The digitally-printed glass envelopes the entire concrete skeleton of the building. In as much as glass is considered light and transparent, it not only evokes a simultaneous sense of mass but also solidity. The two buildings, despite the differences in façade patterns and the same material, have their heat gain largely controlled by the said façade. They extensive glass cover also makes the buildings resemble frameless buildings of antiquity.

Material and architectural design are not the only comparison parameters for the two buildings. Historical factors and the utilization of space also significantly contributes to the uniqueness of Robarts Library and Ryerson students learning center. In the year 2008, the university kicked off its plan to give Robarts Library a major facelift. The need for a modern study center precedes the resolution and commencement of the project. The first phase of the renovations completed in the year 2011.[5] In the lead-up to the completion, apexes on each stack of floors were redone. Apart from the need to modernize, the university fraternity has long been striving to readily avail a plethora of information under one roof and provide an environment that facilitates learning at the institution. As a result, the entire signage was overhauled and renovated to satiate the needs of enhanced and easy navigation of the library resources. The historical lack of study space at the university, however, is yet to stop haunting the institution as it plans on an additional five-storey pavilion on the west of the building. Ryerson students learning center also comes in a similar backdrop; the need for more study space, thus the brutalist architecture. However, the Ryerson students learning center structure and the entire design are historically inspired by the Stoas and Agoras gathering spaces of the ancient Greece which made learning a social activity.[6] Correspondingly, the eight-floor wonder generously gives learners the space to learn, exchange ideas, and meet for various reasons. The design is tailor-made to develop natural conditions for the student groups to freely interact, but also allows for introspective study. Owing to the historical factors and the ‘massive’ nature of the buildings, they are properly lit to invite comfort. The frit glass façade of the Ryerson students learning center, for instance, functions like a cloud cover.[7] It modulates the quality of light between the ranges of ‘overcast’ to ‘sunny’ with an intermediary range of ‘partly cloudy.’ The extensive and crafty lighting combines to enhance the interior lighting situation and provide a conducive atmosphere for learning and interaction. In addition, the top floor, ‘the sky’ comprises an up-lifting ceiling that works to offer unlimited access to natural light. Robarts Library, on the other hand, has an extensive system of windows protruding from the façade to allow unhinged seep-in of natural light in all the floors of the building.[8] Additionally, these windows elevate upwards for the same reason.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John P. Robarts Research Library and Ryerson University Student Learning Center (SLC), are both unique yet amazing harmony of creativity between engineering and art. The brutalist architectures and the entire design serves to fulfill the historical needs while maximizing on the confined space surrounded by important streets. The material choice not only reflect architectural requirements, but also consider the study needs of the learners and users of the buildings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliography

Friedland, Martin L. The University of Toronto: a history. University of Toronto Press, 2013.

Jordy, William H., and William Harvey Pierson. American Buildings and Their Architects: Progressive and academic ideals at the turn of the twentieth century. Doubleday, 1972.

Lefebvre, Madeleine. "The library, the city, and infinite possibilities: Ryerson University’s Student Learning Centre Project." IFLA journal 40, no. 2 (2014): 110-115.