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Bob Prittie Metrotown Library
Originally built in 1991 by local architect James Cheng, the Bob Prittie Metrotown Library is a hub for connection and learning in Burnaby. When the library expressed a need to revamp its ground-floor space, FaulknerBrowns envisioned an open, modern atrium where books take centre stage.
Summary
Bob Prittie Metrotown Library Renovation
Location
Burnaby BC, Canada
Client
City of Burnaby
Size
1,250m²
Completion
2023
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada entrance atrium 10x11
Vision
With materials inspired by the surrounding local park, a new focus on digital learning and creation, and a space reconfigured for dynamic flow within and between departments, the library has been revitalised to benefit both staff and visitors of all walks of life.
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada closeup of timber surrounding skylight g
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada children and parents playing in community room g
The living room of the city

We wanted the atrium of the library to be open, inviting and comfortable—a place where anyone in the community could visit to find peace and inspiration. The space is intentionally laid out for flexibility, with seating blocks that can be reconfigured in order to remain flexible for a wide range of stakeholders as well as keeping the facility adaptable for generations to come.

We chose to lower the skylight to the ceiling of the second floor, transforming it from a peripheral feature to one that is central and celebrated. This fills the atrium with natural light and invites visitors to look up.

Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada axonmetric floorplan 2400
“For me the biggest impact has been the light and space that comes into the atrium now. I love to see people hanging out, meeting and reading in this space.”
Beth Davies
Chief Librarian
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada visitors reading books 3x2
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada child in reception area 3x4
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada reception desk 3x2
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada axonmetric diagram of shelves 10x11
Grab and go
We also wanted books to be celebrated and on display (as opposed to stacked on shelves with covers hidden). We chose to feature a selection in the lobby in a front-facing layout organised by genre, encouraging visitors to browse without trying to find specific titles.
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada axonmetric diagram of shelves 3x2
We also wanted books to be celebrated and on display (as opposed to stacked on shelves with covers hidden). We chose to feature a selection in the lobby in a front-facing layout organised by genre, encouraging visitors to browse without trying to find specific titles.
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada axonmetric diagram of reception desk 3x2
Another focus was improving the librarian experience. With employees, we re-envisioned their workspace, doing away with stuffy stereotypes and reconfiguring the space to promote ‘floor-walking’ (moving through and connecting with visitors in more meaningful and helpful ways). We also automated the returns desks.
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada recording studios g
Modernising the traditional library

The new innovation studio seeks to foster creativity through digital media, with booths for filming videos and recording podcasts. This renovation seeks to expand the realms of what a library is traditionally expected to be.

Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada sliding partition doors to recording studios 3x2
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada visitors in recording studio 3x4
Materials

The redesign was inspired by the park that surrounds the building. The light wood used in the ceiling treatment, custom furniture and aims to build a tactile relationship with the surrounding mature park. The shades of green used in the way-finding signage and custom seating harmonise with both the surrounding landscape and the branding of the library. The concrete floor treatment is an extension of the path that leads to the door, providing a sense of continuity from the external to internal environment.

Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada entrance atrium under skylight 3x4
Bob prittie metrotown library burnaby canada visitors in shop 3x2
“My favourite result of this renovation is the dampening down in sound transmission throughout the public space. The installation of the sound baffling material behind the chic wood panels on walls, ceilings and in the atrium have succeeded in solving an original design flaw in the building. The wood panels are quite stunning in appearance as well.”
Elizabeth Davies
Branch manager, Bob Prittie Metrotown Library

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