Aaniin Community Centre and Library in Markham, Canada

Welcome & I see your light

published in sb 3/2019

The Aaniin Community Centre and Library combines an extensive multi-use program including a district library, aquatics centre, fitness area, multi-use rooms, double gym, and performance space in addition to various change room, food concession and support spaces. The central goal of the concept by Perkins + Will is to explore a framework that multiplies (or overlaps) the connections that exist between programs, people, and environments. This creates a stronger sense of community and place and greater interdependence with the surrounding natural systems.

The indoor town square

Internally, the building is centred around a generous open gathering space and stage, flanked by amphitheatre seating, flexible storage areas and open mezzanines. Designed with specialized lighting, acoustics, and a sophisticated audio-video system, this open gathering space is more akin to a public square enabling the centre to host a variety of events, ranging from an intimate dance recital to a bustling cultural celebration or Bollywood movie night for 500 people. This approach results in a maximization of space supporting more flexible programming compared to a traditional enclosed room.

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Aaniin Community Centre Aug2018 (048) sb 3 2019 newsletter 650.jpg

Photos: Tom Arban

 

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