The Challenge

When Osgoode Hall Law School at York University outgrew its home of forty years, a 1969 modernist building, it commissioned a major renovation to reorganize and expand its main complex. Access to the collections at the school’s library, the largest law library in the British Commonwealth, was hindered by a decentralized layout across five floors and a lack of study space. The renovation successfully resolved these challenges and more, creating a LEED Silver certified state-of-art facility for this renowned law school.

The Innovant Solution

The new law library, consolidated into two floors, features a central reading room, independent and group study areas and a rare book room. Innovant’s FORm_office system was selected to furnish the space; its contemporary aesthetic and flexible, technology-ready design integrated seamlessly with the architectural plans for the space. Durable construction that would withstand the rigors of a public space, adjustable height capability for ODA requirements, soft edges for user comfort and flexible lighting options were all important factors to the school. The lighting fixtures, inverted flower pot shapes, honor the Victorian heritage of the library’s founding in a contemporary way.

Project Architect Dan Klinck of Diamond Schmitt Architects noted that Innovant offered “a thoughtfully designed system that was both affordable and modifiable versus entirely custom.” Innovant partnered with the architects to modify the standard FORm_office design to accommodate specified power sources in the library’s main reading room. And in the rare book reading room, where a premium aesthetic conveys the special nature of the collection, a custom oak table top was commissioned for the FORm_office frame.

The Result

The renovated Law Library at Osgoode Hall Law School has been a resounding success. After opening to students in September 2011, it quickly became the most popular library on the York University campus and remains a popular site for student study today.