Halifax Central Library loses international building title to Vietnam

A small building in Hoi An, Vietnam featuring bamboo roofs thatched with coconut leaves beat out the muchgrander Halifax Central Library to win World Building 2015 in the civics and community category at an international architectural festival in Singapore.

Thirteen buildings from around the world were shortlisted in the category.

• Halifax Central Library competes in World Architecture Festival
• Halifax Central Library nominated for prestigious architectural award

Just being nominated for an award at the World Architecture Festivalwas thrilling, library spokeswoman Kasia Morrison said Friday.

"The library was built through public consultation so it is an honour we all share."

The Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects collaborated with local architectsFowler Bauld & Mitchell on the design for the library located at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Queen Street.

The library is certainly a winner in its own community. Itis used by at least6,000 people every day, more than double the numberprojected.

Cam Thanh Community House located inHoi An,Vietnam, with its unique roofs slanted to direct rainwater toplanted courtyards,was designed to provide a hub for the local neighbourhood and an information centre for tourists.