From the U of T Governing Council Budget and Planning Committee Minutes:
6. Capital Project: Project Planning Report – Robarts Library Renewal and Expansion
The Chair noted that Ms Carole Moore, University of Toronto Chief Librarian, was a member of the Committee and was present to answer questions.
Professor Goel explained that the Robarts Library, which opened approximately 35 years ago, was among the top research libraries in North America. However, significant growth in student enrollment had created a need for additional student access and study space within the Library system. The building of an off-site storage facility had been approved several years ago.
The proposed plan would include renovation and reconfiguration of approximately 15,750 net assignable square metres (nasm) of interior space. This would create 1,588 new study spaces and would result in the reconfiguration of 1,872 existing spaces. The plan also proposed the addition of a five storey pavilion building located along Huron Street in the centre of the approved Site 4 envelope. The pavilion would comprise 6,630 gross square metres (gsm), allowing for an additional 1,164 new study spaces. A final Project Planning Report would be brought forward prior to implementation of this phase of the project.
Additionally, the plan proposed renovations to the Library’s exterior, including replacing concrete panels with glazed panels in the upper apex area to allow for greater use of natural light. Furthermore, the reconfiguration and addition of stairs and stepped seating leading to the new glazed level entry was proposed, totaling 470 gsm. The intention was to create a casual, outdoor social gathering space similar to that found at Bryant Park in New York City.
In total, the proposal would increase current study spaces within the Library by 76%.
The total project cost for all projects described in the plan was estimated to be $74,297,000, assuming all projects were tendered in January, 2009. Each phase of the proposal could be completed as a discrete project, proceeding in any order to suit funding opportunities. As funding became available, components would be implemented with additional approval from the Accommodation and Facilities Directorate, or in accordance with the Policy on Capital Projects, as appropriate. Professor Goel advised that active fundraising was underway for the project –
a challenge donation of $10 million had already been received.
A member noted that the Design Review Committee had reviewed preliminary plans for the project, but inquired about the current status of the design process. Professor Goel replied that once the proposal was approved in principle, further design work would be completed and resubmitted to the Design Review Committee.
A member asked whether the Library would remain fully operational during the construction. Ms Moore indicated that the facility would remain as operational as possible during implementation, and reminded members that the project would proceed in phases.
A member suggested that the cost of heating the building would be higher if the concrete panels were replaced by glass. Professor Goel responded that glass was commonly utilized in the design of new buildings, and noted that the renovations would likely result in increased air handling efficiency. For example, he pointed out that the operating costs of the new Leslie L. Dan Pharmacy building were lower than in the previous facility.
A member inquired whether the Business Board had considered the proposal. Professor Goel indicated that individual components which were subject to the Policy for Capital Projects would be presented to the Business Board for approval before being implemented. He noted that the Committee was being asked to approve the proposal in principle, which would demonstrate that the plan was an academic priority of the University.
A member asked whether the Project Planning Committee had considered a larger expansion, by, for example, increasing the height of the pavilion. Ms Moore replied that the proposal was based on the restrictions of the current building envelope. The member asked whether the expansion would be as useful for graduate students as it was for undergraduates. Ms Moore explained that the Committee had consulted students in creating the proposal, and that all students would benefit from the improved study space.
Professor Goel added that the proposal was very important for the institution in making the Library functional and contemporary, and enhancing the overall student experience.
http://www.governingcouncil.utoront...Committee/2007+-+2008+Academic+Year/r0109.pdf
AoD
