Rising above Harbord Street at St. George, the University of Toronto’s Robarts Library is a perfect example of TORONTO brutalism. Named after former Ontario premier John Robarts, the building opened in 1973 to mixed reviews – many of them negative.  Plans are now afoot to add a 1,200 seat reading room on the Huron Street side of the building. The design, prepared by Diamond Schmitt Architects, features a light glass curtain wall wrapped around the west side, which will allow in 4 storeys of afternoon sunlight. The Robarts Common will be connected to the main library by a four-storey bridge. An extensive green roof is included in the project plan filed with the City of TORONTO.

<IMAGES – Diamond Schmitt Architects>