FROM FARMER-SOLDIER TO CITIZEN OF THE 21st CENTURY
The present project proposes to transpose into a studied architectural composition a historical, cultural and poetic reading of some of the specific characteristics of the municipality of Drummondville and its region.
Since its foundation nearly two hundred years ago by a garrison of soldiers who became farmers, the St-François River has been a main character in the historical and cultural narrative. Crossed a few years later by the railroad and exploited by a series of hydroelectric dams, the St-François allowed the city to develop its main economic driving forces: industry and the turbine. After a more difficult passage, today looking towards the future thanks to enviable economic development efforts, Drummondville welcomes its library as a synthesis of these efforts as well as a neuralgic center of activity in the heart of downtown.
The project is first positioned on the site in relation to the power line, on either side of the easement highlighting the latter and creating the impression of a single large project with the future ice rink, which also allows to join Lindsay Street by a linear walk along a garden - the voltigeurs' garden - and a civic space on the street whose occupation could vary according to the seasons and the event programming of the site, which could certainly vibrate to the rhythm of festivals, day camps, or a Christmas market or a series of concerts.
In the center of the space, within a vast double height, the vertical circulations are deployed, including the turbine staircase composed of two off-center spiral staircases allowing multiple views of the library, the exhibition areas and the garden adjacent to the newsroom. The large intermediate landing of this staircase has a double function: on the one hand, it allows for the presentation of the collections or the display of certain objects, and on the other hand, it allows for a break, or even a change of direction, which we believe reinforces the idea of free circulation.
On the first floor, the two gardens are still present and define the two main zones of this level: the novels and the adult documentaries, the latter also opening onto the terrace located on the south side. A step is both a space for families that bridges the gap between the youth zone and the adult zone through the teenage zone, and a privileged space offering views of the skating rink and winter sports or, in summer, a landscaped area where a host of activities can be set up.
(From website)
Performance of: Chevalier Morales + DMA architects in consortium
- The broad urban research and the resulting conceptual approach are appreciated by the
the jury. The Drummondville characteristics forge this project and make it unique and specific to the city.
- The positioning of the building on rue des Forges allows the library to have a strong presence in its environment.
- The insertion of the building on the site and its relationship with the skating rink, the terminus and the parking lot allows for an optimal integration of all the equipment on the site.
- This proposal presents an iconic project for the City in terms of the expression of both the exterior and interior architectural partitions.
- The development of a public square on Lindsay Street creates a continuous link with all the facilities.
- The skating rink is particularly well integrated into the project. Its link with the library is woven through to the interior of the library by means of bleachers providing a view of the outdoor activities taking place there.
- The creation of an ice path that crosses the site and passes through the library adds to the project an interesting aspect of social integration and animation of the site.
- The concept of inserting light points on the site was positively noted by the jury.
- The flexibility of the proposal regarding the acquisition or not of the adjacent lot is appreciated.
- Despite the proximity of the terminus, vehicular traffic on the site does not conflict with bus
bus traffic.
- The parking lot is well located and allows for a smooth flow of traffic.
- The reference to Drummondville's industrial past through the introduction of blued steel in the
the building envelope appealed to the members of the jury.
- The important depth of the cantilevers leaves a doubt in the feasibility of realizing this structure as
structure as illustrated.
- The absence of a main entrance directly onto Rue des Forges left the jury perplexed.
- Despite the obstacles to circulation that it may cause, the jury members appreciate the sculptural staircase installed in an open space and animated by the café.
- The constraint of sharing the staircase-café space expressed by the technical committee is seen as an advantage by the jury. It sees it as an opportunity to welcome new university students in an informal environment (approaching a bookstore-cafe) within the library itself, cohabiting with transit users or waiting parents. In future discussions with city authorities, the operation of this type of café could be offered to Drummondville "obnl" seeking funding, as proposed by this finalist.
- The interior atmosphere is appreciated. The use of wood contributes to this appreciation.
- Questions are raised about the functionality of the premises. The control of the spaces poses difficulties because of the visual obstruction created by the central mass, that is to say the superposition of the multifunctional room on the first floor and the mechanical room on the first floor. In addition, this mass causes the fragmentation of the collections.
- The choice of positioning the mechanical room above the multifunctional room leaves the jury skeptical about the acoustic prowess to be developed by the designer.
- The ready-to-return counter allows for very limited supervision of the premises due to its position. On the other hand, its hotel counter aspect appealed to some members of the jury.
- The finalist's choice to propose two main entrances was seen as a major constraint by the technical committee from the point of view of site control. However, the jury sees it as a concern to better serve the citizen who arrives either by car (parking at the back) or by public transportation (terminus on des Forges).
- The proposed approach to sustainable development presents a global vision that promotes several interesting measures. The approach is not a simple search for LEED points. The proposal to share a geothermal system between the skating rink and the library is an exemplary concern.
- The project cost estimate was well detailed and within budget.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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