Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library Condensation Control Project

The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is part of the Robarts Library, which was constructed in 1973 of reinforced cast-in-place concrete.

The library is considered one of the most significant examples of brutalist architecture in North America and a listed heritage building by the City of Toronto.

Winter time condensation is occurring at the interior surfaces of the exterior walls, resulting in a potential hazard for the moisture sensitive rare books that are stored along the exterior walls.

The historic library building includes overhead clerestory glazing at the top of the mezzanine levels.

RJC was retained by the University of Toronto to assess the condition of the exterior concrete and precast wall cladding at the building and to prepare a comprehensive and budgeted set of proposals for the control or elimination of the interior condensation.The rehabilitation project is following an evaluation completed by RJC in July 2015.