Trent University Bata Library
Peterborough, ON, Canada
278 sf Greenwall

Image: LiveWall

Greenroofs.com Featured Project September 3, 2019

Well-known for two works in particular, Massey College and Trent University’s riverside campus, Canadian architect Ronald James Thom’s artistic attention to detail “was rooted in the Bauhaus-inspired philosophy of the architectural Gesamtkunstwerk: the building as a ‘total work of art’ emerging from the synthesis of landscape, materials, furnishings, textures, and colors,” (TCLF).

Image: LiveWall

The design of Trent University’s Thomas J. Bata library shows his deep appreciation for designing with nature and when the university planned a major renovation in 2015, it took Thom’s design philosophy seriously by connecting the built environment with nature.  On Friday, September 6 the Bata Library will hold an Open House from 2:00-4:00 pm to celebrate its 50th anniversary of its opening and invites the community to see the transformations 50 years later.

Watch for David Aquilina and Amber Poncé’s Guest Feature next week on the Bata Library renovation to learn more!

Image: LiveWall

Excerpt from Project Profile:

Located on the campus of Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, the architecture of its iconic Thomas J. Bata Library is stunning in all seasons. Constructed in 1967 and designed by Ronald Thom, the influential Canadian architect envisioned the campus buildings, including the library, as growing out of the picturesque landscape on the west and east banks of the Ontonabee River.

After an 18-month long, 18.8 million dollar renovation designed by Perkins + Will, Bata Library reopened its doors to students and faculty last year with a welcoming indoor greenwall by LiveWall®.

Image: Trent University Facebook

Image: Trent University Facebook

Set back within the library’s atrium, the living wall creates an inviting open space. It connects two adjacent seating areas, softens the center of the interior, and complements the tone of the cedar ceilings.

In keeping with Trent’s statement of heritage stewardship, the refurbishment of the Bata Library centered on the unique history and design legacy of the significant architectural treasure.

Image: LiveWall

The new space encourages students to learn and thrive on campus, and among the many features of Trent’s Library of the Future is its new greenwall.

Symbolizing and strengthening Trent University’s connection to nature, the 278 square-foot greenwall features the LiveWall® Indoor Living Wall System. Installed and maintained by Gingko Sustainability, the Bata Library greenwall is almost 7 feet in height and was constructed in two side-by-side sections each 20 feet in length.

Image: LiveWall

More

In total, it includes 150 bluestone-colored LiveWall modular planter boxes, which contain inserts that hold the growing medium and a mix of seven different tropical plants with dark green, light green and white foliage. The LiveWall® plant palette encompasses 380 plants and the organic design mixes upright and billowing species that have a variety of leaf shapes, variegation and textures.

Architect Thom wanted excellent design that harmonizes with natural settings and natural beauty, and the LiveWall® indoor living wall brings the outdoors into the atrium of the Bata Library. Featuring a greenwall in its re-design is a wonderful way to honor the design legacy, and Trent University is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the opening of Bata Library this week.

Image: LiveWall

Image: Trent University Facebook

Year: 2018
Owner: Trent University
Location: Peterborough, ON, Canada
Building Program: Educational
Project Type: Greenwall, Living Wall
System: Single Source Provider
Size: 278 sq. ft.
Slope: 100%
Access: Accessible, Public

Image: LiveWall

Image: Trent University Facebook

Credits:

2018 RENOVATION ARCHITECT:
PERKINS + WILL

ORIGINAL TRENT UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT:
RONALD THOM

CONSTRUCTION:
BONDFIELD CONSTRUCTION

LIVING WALL MANUFACTURER:
LIVEWALL®

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE:
GINKGO SUSTAINABILITY

Image: LiveWall

See the Trent University Bata Library project profile to see ALL of the Photos and Additional Information about this particular project in the Greenroofs.com Projects Database.

Image: LiveWall

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By Linda S. Velazquez, ASLA, LEED AP, GRP
Greenroofs.com Publisher & Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summits Host