mildlyamusingusername
New Member
UofT really taking their time on these last few steps. Still surprised they even announced it was going to open in November back in September.
Toronto U of T: Robarts Library Renovations & Robarts Common | ?m | ?s | U of T | Diamond Schmitt
- Thread starter AlvinofDiaspar
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RonThom
Active Member
I have heard from an engineer involved that the building is sinking (has settled 25mm already) and they’re unable to paint it for fear of additional mass; and are concerned about the bridge connection. No idea if true but this person claimed to know.
CapitalSeven
Senior Member
Hmm, Robarts is rejecting the graft because the architectural DNA is not a close enough match.
max
Active Member
Better not load it up with any books...might make the problem worse.
marcus_a_j
Senior Member
Northern Light
Superstar
I think that rumour has been debunked a few times over. I don't recall seeing any cracking or evidence of settling.
It's a pretty common college trope (sinking library)
Perhaps there's been a new development, but I doubt it.
Here's one piece on that from 2004:
****
Aesthetics aside, the main functional flaw in Robarts is that it was meant to be a graduate-student library, and only later it was decided undergrads would also have access.
As a result, the elevator capacity to the stacks floors is severely taxed.
DSC
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This was a common problem in the 1960s when it was common to have 'graduate' and 'undergraduate' libraries. McGill has the same situation where the McLennan Library (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLennan_Library_Building) was also built as a graduate library (where library staff sent books down to the masses via book elevators). It too has poor elevators for its current (and since about 1970) use by everyone.
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RonThom
Active Member
No, not the old library. The new wing.
junctionist
Senior Member
I think that rumour has been debunked a few times over. I don't recall seeing any cracking or evidence of settling.
Its a pretty common college trope (sinking library)
Perhaps there's been a new development, but I doubt it.
Here's one piece on that from 2004:
****
Aesthetics aside, the main functional flaw in Robarts is that it was meant to be a graduate-student library, and only later it was decided undergrads would also have access.
As a result, the elevator capacity to the stacks floors is severely taxed.
My first impression was that it was a rather elaborate version of the classic "sinking library" rumour. It was quite common back in the day in relation to the original structure.
Johnny Au
Senior Member
February 20, 2022:
UtakataNoAnnex
Senior Member
I must admit I like the placement of those wood thingies inside....least I think they're are made of wood.
RonThom
Active Member
Interesting. I find them the weakest part of the design, viewed from outside. Totally incongruous with Robarts' restrained geometric repetition. Although I do admit they could be very cool from the inside.
AlvinofDiaspar
Moderator
I wish they stuck with the equilateral triangle/hexagon motif for this entire complex.
AoD
UtakataNoAnnex
Senior Member
Can't vouch that me liking something means it's strong design wise. I also like a lot of weird stuff...and that's just weird enough for me to give a mild thumbs up to.
DavidCapizzano
Senior Member
Yet another stain on Diamond Schmitts reputation.