Ādisōke – Ottawa Public Library and Archives Canada

Ādisōke – the Ottawa Public Library and Archives – is built on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinābe people, and the project team has worked closely with them as the project develops. Fittingly, the name Ādisōke means “storytelling” in the Anishinābemowin Algonquin language. The exterior design of this building uses mass timber and stone to reflect the natural world that surrounds them, while the interior design reflects the culture and traditions of the Algonquin peoples.

In harmony with the high emphasis placed on the natural environment, Ādisōke is aiming to be a model of green infrastructure to the surrounding regions. A minimum LEED Gold certification is being sought, as well as attaining the status of a net-zero carbon building – a building that reduces so much energy consumption to the point that it becomes more practical to use non-carbon based energy sources.

Ādisōke connects two institutions under one roof for the first time, linking their spaces with an expansive public forum which offers meeting spaces and technical resources. The building includes a sky-lit Town Hall gathering space, a multi-purpose auditorium, Discovery Centre, Design Studio, Digital Production Centre, collaboration labs, maker spaces, reading rooms, meeting rooms, and cafes. It also features an outdoor plaza, terraces, and a Civic Reception Room on the top floor.