Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects stacked up cuboid volumes with different dimensions and cladding finishes to create this library in Halifax, Canada (+ slideshow).

Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects collaborated with local office Fowler Bauld & Mitchell on the design for the Halifax Central Library after winning a 2010 international competition for the redevelopment of the city centre site.

Located at a crossroads in one of Halifax's most historic neighbourhoods, the building's four rectilinear volumes have been orientated to follow the angles of the adjacent streets.

"Halifax is a city whose maritime heritage calls for attention when designing a new public building," said Morten Schmidt of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, who also recently completed a library in the Canadian town of Edmonton.

"The historical axis between the Halifax Citadel and the Halifax Harbour, crossing right through the library site, is reflected in the orientation of the top floor of the building containing the Halifax Living Room, hereby providing not only a unique view but also an understanding of the city's historical heritage," he said.

Each of the rectangular blocks features large areas of glazing, designed to offer plenty of visual connections between the interior and the surrounding streets.

A fritted pattern of leaves applied to portions of the glazing alludes to the trees that sit at the front of the plot.

The curtain wall of the third volume in the stack features an orange frit that is intended to complement the tone of nearby brick buildings.

The library is designed as a cultural hub. It also includes a 300-seat auditorium, two cafes, music studios, gaming stations, a space for adult literacy classes, a reading circle and boardrooms for local entrepreneurs.

A large atrium at the library's entrance is criss-crossed by bridges and staircases, referencing the jumbled shapes of the exterior.

As well as a reception desk, this atrium contains a reading area with bookcases displaying a selection of bestsellers. A terrace connects the space with an auditorium at the opposite end of the building.

The first floor is dedicated to children and young adults. It accommodates a variety of open-plan reading spaces, with educational facilities including music studios and study rooms arranged around the periphery.

The library's main collection is located on the second and third floors, alongside adult learning and additional reading rooms.

A quiet reading room featuring large suspended circular lights is situated in the cantilevered section of the top floor. Here, full-height glazing provides views across the city towards the nearby harbour.

The top storey also accommodates a cafe with a balcony terrace.

A large skylight allows natural light to filter down through the building's various levels.

Photography is by Adam Mørk.

Project credits:

Architect team: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects (design architect), Fowler Bauld & Mitchell (prime consultant architect)
Structural engineers: SNC Lavalin Inc., Ove Arup (Concept Design)
Mechanical engineers: CBCL Limited, Ove Arup (Concept Design)
Electrical engineers: CBCL Limited, Ove Arup (Concept Design)
Civil engineers: SNC Lavalin Inc.
Landscape architect: Gordon Ratcliffe Landscape Architect
Interior: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Fowler Bauld & Mitchell
Public consultation: Myrgan Inc.
Sustainability: Solterre Design
Acoustics: Swallow Acoustic Consultants Ltd.,
Building code: RJ Bartlett Engineering Ltd.
Curtain wall: BVDA Façade Engineering Ltd.
Wind & snow environmental: Theakston Environmental Consulting Engineers
Theatre design: Theatre Consulting Group Ltd.
Third party commissioning: FC O'Neill Scriven & Assoc. Ltd.
Project manager: Halifax Regional Municipality
Construction manager: EllisDon Corporation
Sustainability: Targeting LEED Gold certification