The relocation of the South Shore Public Libraries Lunenburg branch to the historic Lunenburg Academy, a registered National Historic Site and signature building located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. 

Cultural importance of the Academy as an educational institution within the community for over 100 years, as well as the age and historic nature of the building, inform a playful contemporary approach while remaining sympathetic to original features. New and old details throughout highlight the building's narrative and previous uses.  Three new main-floor collections spaces support the multi-purpose nature of libraries and take advantage of high ceilings, large windows, and views to the surrounding site. New circulation services at the heart of the main floor connect the library to other tenants and users within the building itself.  Interpretive elements celebrating the career of William J. Roue, designer of the Bluenose, further enrich the connection between library and the broader community it sits within.

Status

Completed 2017

Our Role

Architecture, Interior Design

Client

Town of Lunenburg and South Shore Public Libraries

Location

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Historic Solution

It’s a question that challenges so many heritage towns: how do you add anything to your community—like buildings and signs—that respects the past while being relevant to modern times?

That’s the question we wrestled with when we began planning a wayfinding system for the town of Lunenburg. The town is a living time capsule, with abundant history and heritage buildings dating back to Nova Scotia’s earliest days. Should the new signage reflect the 18th century surroundings—or should it take a more modern approach?

For this project, Fathom had the pleasure of working with Gerry Rolfson, retired architect and longtime Lunenburg resident. Gerry has enjoyed a very active post-career, often volunteering his time and professional experience on local boards. Gerry is the current chair of the Lunenburg Waterfront Association, and offered advice to our designers.

Our solution came as a surprise to some, and can be best described as modern and contemporary. Thus, the town’s history and heritage shows up in the text on the signs.

Initially, not everyone agreed on this solution. But Gerry understood this approach and the reasoning behind it. “Any signage or architecture should reflect the best practices of the time. That creates the charm of a place. It’s respectful.”

With the wayfinding system now in place, Gerry could see the benefits working right before his eyes. “I can watch groups of people clustered around them. The signs melt into the background…but pop up when people are looking for them. They are very low-key until you get closer and see how much useful information they offer.”

Next time you’re in Lunenburg, head downtown and check out this present-time solution to an age-old problem. And see for yourself how the past and present can mingle perfectly together.

Status

2014–15 (pedestrian wayfinding)
2015 (vehicular wayfinding and trail signage)

Our Role

Wayfinding, interpretive planning

Client

Lunenburg Board of Trade

Location

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Subconsultants

Ralph Getson—copy writing. Thomas Miko—cartography (pedestrian directional); Stephen Bishop: cartography (map kiosk); Iain MacLeod—copy writing and copy editor. Atlantex Creative Works: Fabrication; Eye Catch Signs: Installation.

Awards

2015 - Canadian Regional Design Awards (Redgees): Advertising Design: Outdoor, Best in Category