Walter C. Koerner Library

Location:

1958 Main Mall

Date:

1995-1996

Architect:

Aitken Wregglesworth

Cost:

$24 million

Sources of funds:

From donations to UBC's World of Opportunity Campaign, with matching funds from the provincial government and the President's discretionary funds

Architectural features:

This building is modern in materials and technology while classical in structure.Its base is made up of battered granite walls. Its back facade is clad in stucco with a grid of diamond-shaped windows. The central nave is top-lit by a shallow vault of translucent glass. The 7th level is finished in a sloping natural zinc roof.

Study space:

920 carrels and seperate rooms for group study

Capacity of stacks:

800,000 volumes

Construction Type:

Concrete

Name History:

It is named after Walter C. Koerner in honour of his lifetime commitment to and support of the University and the Library and his substantial gift toward its construction.

Notes:

Walter C. Koerner Library totals 17,200 square metres: 7,000 square metres of new construction and 10,200 square metres of renovated space from Sedgewick Library.
It was originally intended to be Phase I of a new Central Library; eventually, Main Library was re-built as the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre instead.

Sources:

Fine Arts Pamphlet Files; UBC Buildings (Campus Planning); About Walter C. Library

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