Renewal of the Cornish Library, led by Public City Architecture, was undertaken with great care to preserve the character of the building within its historic neighbourhood, while addressing the community’s expressed desire for improved access and more usable spaces. A new glass reading room overlooks the river and features a whimsical artwork by local artist Michael Dumontier. The building addition is supported by a single concrete pier, which was the starting point for the artist's intervention.
Four Flowers is made of different kinds of metal, concrete, paint and air… It is kinetic, moving slowly in response to the airflow in the room. You may not notice it move, but it will look different every time you visit! Three of the flowers are inside, but the fourth has fallen off of its stem. Can you find it outside?
In the media:
- Winnipeg Free Press, August 23, 2022: An Open Book, The Cornish Library's updated design brings the Carnegi-funded building into the urban present
- Canadian Architect V.67 N.01, February 2022: Cornish Library Healing a Divide