The team Saucier + Perrotte architectes - DFS Inc / Cosigma - Latéral / Bouthillette Parizeau / WAA / SSSVLL proposes for the Maisonneuve Library a space that transcends time and use in order to offer the citizens of the borough and of the city of Montreal a unique and inspiring third place. Rich in history and heritage; stimulating for users of all ages; accessible and inviting at all hours of the day; this is our vision for the Maisonneuve Library - Street of Possibilities.
With this project, the library will not only be able to enhance the distinctive elements it already possesses, but it will also be able to compensate for the aspects it currently lacks. These include the urban presence of the institution, its transparency and accessibility, the versatility and flexibility of the interior spaces, the activation of the exterior spaces, etc. Both physically and symbolically, the Maisonneuve Library will be closer to the street and its animation in order to forge stronger links with its neighbourhood.
The new volume, by its purity and reflectivity, will unite with the old city hall of the city of Maisonneuve in order to create an ensemble evocative of the cultural vitality of the neighborhood and its historical richness.
The renovation and expansion project therefore aims to revitalize the heritage building, whose value is undeniable, without confining it to the status of a relic. This attitude is directly reflected in our proposal, as a new energy unfolds on the site through a series of longitudinal movements. These movements will enrich the user's experience and allow them to travel through the spaces in a rich and uninterrupted sequence linking the new and the old; the interior and the exterior; the institutional and the public. In order to fully appreciate the heritage building, the points of contact with the extension are made by means of transparent bridges to which is added a skylight illuminating the space. Contact with the heritage will be both rich and intimate, adding depth to the library experience.
In concrete terms, this vision translates into a horizontal layered planning that allows all of the library's main functions to take advantage of the existing building. From the garden level, where the lobby and reception desk are located, a central circulation axis consisting of an elevator and a staircase provides access to all floors. In order to optimize space, the public staircase is superimposed on the volume of the emergency staircase, adding to the sculptural character of the whole. The basement, first floor and upper floor levels are all attached to the existing building to ensure fluidity of circulation within the project. Finally, the mezzanine where the work rooms are located allows access to a terrace on the roof of the first floor and to the community garden located on the roof of the existing building.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
- The proposal respects the dominance of the old city hall that saw the development of the city of Maisonneuve, and at the same time it meets the general design objectives of the City of Montreal.
- The important attachment of the citizens of the neighborhood to this building is taken into consideration by leaving the main north façade intact and by making the east façade clear.
- The institutional language of the proposal and the finesse of its architectural treatment, notably through the reminder of materiality, are positively emphasized.
- The transparency and small size of the volume added to the east side of the existing building allows for the appreciation of the heritage façade and an interesting communication link with the Maison de la culture.
- The improvement of the visibility of the library is recognized in the attraction produced on the Pie-IX Boulevard side.
- The volumetry of the proposal and its orientation on the site accentuate and better define the public square, while preserving the trees located near it. On the other hand, this volume and the main entrance seem to turn their backs on the clientele that would come from the west of Pie-IX.
-The complex becomes an important civic attraction in the borough and the appropriation of the exterior spaces by the citizens seems to be facilitated.
- The landscape approach supports the enhancement of the heritage building and provides flexible spaces for the organization of special events. The fragmentation of the existing low wall on the site is appreciated.
- The main quality of the project's interior design lies in the realization of an expansion through a compact and concentrated volume on the site. This favors internal circulation by avoiding long distances for customers and employees.
- However, in the proposal for the interior spaces, there is a lack of understanding of the clientele and of the objectives for the creation of a 21st century library and a third place. A classical and institutional vision of the library is presented, whereas conviviality and warm atmospheres are sought. The interior use of materials such as metal and concrete does not favor the achievement of these objectives.
- The entrance hall of this project is an austere elegance but does not allow the user to feel as soon as he arrives in a neighborhood library.
- The path of the different users (adults, children, teenagers, people with reduced mobility, etc.) or staff members as well as that of the documents is complex and not very intuitive.
- Despite the need for increased vertical circulation, the flexibility of the interior spaces and the ease of applying the recommendations to achieve functional optimization of the library are recognized.
- The engineering proposals are adequate and the jury recognizes the results of the technical committee's analyses.
- Sustainability expectations are recommended by the demonstration of achieving the LEED Silver certification goal.
- The demonstration of the respect of the budget was confirmed by the finalist following the analysis by the technical committee, certain elements will have to be followed with attention to ensure the respect of the budget until the end of the construction work.
- Some of the project's orientations will require an increase in equipment costs, particularly with regard to the configuration of the sorting robot.
The jury highlights the following characteristics of the Saucier+Perrotte / DFS Consortium project:
- Bold proposal
- Recognition of the building's signature in a design city
- Creation of an attractive public square and very good dialogue with the Maison de la Culture.
- Problems with the location and signage of the main entrance.
- Good functionality and flexibility of the spaces but with a complicated route.
- Disappointing interior proposal that does not meet the objective of attracting the public.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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