The University of Lethbridge has long been known for its preference for concrete in the design and construction of its flagship buildings. The Library at the University of Lethbridge uses steel to create a series of clerestories to illuminate the public spaces of the building. Steel is also used in the detailing of the series of staircases and support railings that connect the various levels of the library.
This 23,500 square metre library is designed to be a state-of-the-art information network centre linked electronically to local and remote sources, databases and services. The building is the first of its kind in Canada to directly integrate the learning process with information technologies. It will be an important link as a regional communications hub for business and technology.
A principal objective of the project was the creation of a “sense of arrival” to the university. Siting follows the principles of the Erickson/Massey master plan for the university and the building links the historic University Hall (by Arthur Erickson) and Centre for the Arts with campus buildings of the upper plateau: the Student Union Building, the Athletic Centre, science labs and general purpose classrooms.
The building concept acknowledges the immediate landscape and views to the surrounding coullees and historic High Level Bridge.
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