Lecture on Library as Community – Social Awareness and the Environment in Architecture

This is technically a Libraries & Cultural Resources continuing ed event, but there's room, so you're welcome to come:

Speaker: Alec Couchman

November 17, 2008

12 – 1 pm

Scurfield Hall 284

To register, contact Yongtao at yolin@ucalgary.ca

Alec Couchman, a Principal at the award-winning architects Warren Mahoney Ltd based in New Zealand, will discuss the growth of environmental and sustainability issues in New Zealand and how it is affecting the architecture of buildings. Focusing on the new generation of New Zealand libraries he will discuss the many roles libraries are expected to perform in public and academic communities, namely community rooms, urban anchors, shopping malls, cultural icons, IT centres, art galleries, cafes and exemplars of sustainability.

Warren and Mahoney have designed numerous award winning libraries throughout New Zealand over the past 10 years and each one is an innovative response to their unique site conditions. Each project has adapted to the surroundings and demands of Net Generation users to create highly successful facilities. On-campus library buildings include are the Information Commons buildings for the University of Auckland and the University of Waikato. All of these projects have examples of sustainability including on site energy generation, water recycling, phase change materials and 100% natural ventilation.

Presented by the LCR Continuing Education Committee with a special thanks to Susan Beatty.