Menu
One of the most exciting projects CFMS is currently providing commissioning for is Ādisōke, the new Ottawa Public Library – Library and Archives Canada joint facility located in Ottawa, Ontario. Built on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinābe People, the name Ādisōke was chosen because it means “storytelling” in Anishinābemowin Algonquin language, which is fitting for a facility that will house many stories.
The state-of-the-art building will serve as Ottawa Public Library’s Central Branch and the main location for Library and Archives Canada’s services. It will feature exhibitions and events that will showcase Indigenous stories and histories, as well as Canadian culture and heritage.
The project has been a long time in the making – since 2015 to be exact, when a new central library was approved by the OPL board. In 2016 the idea of a joint facilty with Library and Archives Canada was first proposed, before being approved in 2017. In 2018 the site was chosen on the eastern edge of LeBreton Flats in the heart of Ottawa, before the architectural team of Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects was selected. The architectural design of Ādisōke is the result of a unique public engagement process that asked thousands of residents, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians from coast to coast to provide inspiration before the final design was revealed in 2020. Currently under construction, it is expected to open in 2026.
The building includes a sky-lit Town Hall gathering space, a multi-purpose auditorium, Discovery Centre for children, spaces for Indigenous communities, Genealogy Centre, Creative Centre, Design Studio, Digital Production Centre, collaboration labs, maker spaces, reading rooms, meeting rooms, and cafés. Ādisōke also features an outdoor plaza, terraces, and a Civic Reception Room on the top floor. It contains Canadian and Indigenous cultural and historical stories, sharing them through public programs, events, resources, and exhibitions. Targeting Net-Zero Carbon and LEED Gold Certification, Ādisōke is leading the way in sustainable infrastructure development.
From CFMS Cx Project Manager Jurij Dziuba P.Eng., CCP, CEM, LEED AP BD+C:
“The Adisoke Library project has been quickly progressing in construction and has changed vastly since my last visit June 2023. I am very excited to return to see the progress in person. This project will provide a spotlight building for the residents of Ottawa with its presence and architectural features. The mechanical and electrical systems are sure to provide great indoor environmental quality to building occupants and visitors. I am looking forward to working with the team on commissioning the mechanical and electrical systems. It will definitely be a challenging, but rewarding experience.”
The new facility is sure to become a destination for generations of Canadians to gather, learn, read, research, play and connect, as well as people from all over the world!
Read the latest Ādisōke news and updates: https://adisoke.ca/news-updates/
Rendering courtesy of Diamond and Schmitt Architects
