The design of Kaplan Library draws inspiration from a secluded valley nestled within dense forests on the city’s outskirts. Following rapid urban development in the 1960s, this valley on the north bank of the Saskatchewan River was largely forgotten. Once representative of Edmonton’s riparian grassland ecosystem, the valley remains a rare surviving fragment of this natural landscape.
Situated ideally for the library, the site is bordered by residential streets to the west and the valley to the east, offering excellent accessibility and a close connection to nature.
Covering 1,130 square meters, the project is organized into three parallel zones aligned along the north-south axis. A continuous, folded wooden roof spans the entire 77-meter length of the building, forming three peaks that correspond to the three distinct zones underneath.
The roof’s upper and lower surfaces are optimized to enhance sunlight penetration, acoustics, structural integrity, and technical systems. Its irregular contours at both ends create a dynamic architectural form.
Each of the three zones addresses different considerations of scale, function, nature, and views. The western zone, adjacent to residential neighborhoods, maintains a quiet atmosphere with supporting auxiliary spaces along the street.
The eastern zone offers a more private setting, featuring various seating areas overlooking the canyon through a 55-meter-long quiet window.
The central zone is elevated and houses the main library, staff offices, and community gathering spaces. To harmonize with the cool deciduous forest backdrop of the canyon, the library’s exterior combines black aluminum and natural wood finishes. Double rows of elm trees and the entrance plaza further integrate the library into the neighborhood fabric.
A wooden screen skylight on the library’s west side fills the interior with natural light. As sunlight passes through, the wooden screen filters the light, casting soft patterns of light and shadow inside. This ever-changing illumination, combined with the lush natural surroundings, creates a serene oasis at the heart of the suburban grassland community.
Kaplan Library underscores the importance of reconnecting the forgotten valley on its east side back into the grassland ecosystem. Serving as a catalyst for urban transformation, the design respects the valley’s natural environment.
It offers visitors and staff a place where knowledge and nature coexist, establishing a peaceful boundary for the surrounding community.
Project Drawings
△ Plan View
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: Group 2, Patkau Architects
Area: 1,130 m²
Project Year: 2018
Photographer: James Dow / Patkau Architects
Manufacturers: Calibre Coatings, Cascadia Metals, Devon Industries, Kawneer, LINEA, Millwork and Supplies Co. Ltd., Reynobond, Western Archrib, Westform Metals
Design Team: Patkau Architects – Greg Boothroyd, Shane O’Neill, John Patkau, Patricia Patkau, Tom Schroeder
Architect Recording Team: Group 2 – Anneliese Fris, Eric Hui, Gareth Leach, Jennifer Nederpel
Owner: City of Edmonton – Edmonton Public Library
Architect: Patkau Architects
Record Architect: Group 2
Structural Engineering: Fast+Epp
Mechanical Engineering: Williams Engineering
Civil Engineering: ISL
Acoustic Engineering: RWDI
Traffic Engineering: Bunt & Associates
Landscape Architecture: Design North Landscape Architecture
Cost Engineering: Acumen Engineering
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