The Idea Exchange Old Post Office
Cambridge,
ON
Award Category:
Governor General’s Medals in Architecture
RDH Architects (RDHA)
Occupancy: October 15, 2018
Construction Budget: $12 million
The Idea Exchange Old Post Office is a major renovation, restoration and addition to a heritage-listed structure in Cambridge, Ontario. This project adapts the 1885 post office to accommodate the Idea Exchange, a bookless library that centres on open studio spaces for creative work by people of all ages. Housed within a heritage structure in constant dialogue with its contemporary addition, the Idea Exchange Old Post Office projects the life and vitality of a progressive public library program to the street, the river, and the city beyond.
Project Credits:
Client - City of Cambridge and the Idea Exchange
Landscape Architect - NAK Design
Landscape Architect - NAK Design
Structural Engineers - WSP / Halsall Ltd.
Mechanical / Electrical Engineering - Jain Associates Ltd.
Civil Engineers - Valdor Engineering Inc.
Acoustic Engineering - Aercoustics
Code Consultant - L.R.I.
Cost Consulting - AW Hooker
Contractor - Collaborative Structures Ltd.
Heritage Consultant - Steven Burgess Architects Ltd.
Heritage Consultant - Steven Burgess Architects Ltd.
Click for full version:
PHOTO - Tom Arban
PHOTO - Tom Arban
PHOTO - Tom Arban
PHOTO - Tom Arban
PHOTO - Tom Arban
The architects integrated contemporary volumes into a historic building with boldness and attention to the fine detail of the junctions between the new and existing structures. This creates a continuity by contrast. Lightened views among common spaces over the water and the gesture of daylight washing the historic façades create an interesting and coherent program.
2022 Jury