The decision to locate the extension at the head of the block establishes the foundations of the project. This location re-qualifies the relationship between Carré d'Hibernia, the former barracks building, Rue d'Hibernia and Centre Saint-Charles. It creates a close relationship between the extension and the barracks, one of whose brick walls is exposed in the airy volume of the new interiors. Despite the transformations this building has undergone, its heritage value is clear to local residents. The public mobilization surrounding its preservation in the 1970s testifies to its value as a place of identity. By structuring the civic space of the agora along the visible footprint of the former barracks, this project highlights the importance of collective memory.
The democratization of knowledge called for by any contemporary library is necessarily supported by open gathering places conducive to exchanges between classes and generations. Several of these spaces are located on the first floor, welcoming visitors on either side of the library's access axis. The café housed in the former barracks opens onto Rue d'Hibernia and the library reception area, like a hyphen, an invitation to discover its interiors. From this space, the great transparency of the east and west facades allows users to move freely towards the outdoor agora, which they can already glimpse from the opposite access. This unifying approach is part of a far-reaching vision that aims to integrate all other local community uses, consolidate the civic hub linked to Rue d'Hibernia, and enhance the fluidity and safety of pedestrian and cyclist access.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Arguments in favor of the service
- Through its spatial organization, the entire interior of the building encourages encounters.
- The concept proposes a unified whole rather than a perception of an enlarged heritage building.
- According to some members of the jury, the volumetry of the extension and its slight recess at the entrance contribute to a successful architectural dialogue and respect for the heritage building.
- The relationship between the volumetry of the extension and the park is successful.
- According to some members of the jury, the exterior coloring is interesting and energizes the building as a whole.
- The architectural dialogue between the barracks and the extension is successful, both inside and out.
- The enlarged openings between the barracks and the new section allow for an inclusive participation of the barracks spaces in the various programmatic activities.
- The marquee and the creation of a real forecourt between the library and the Centre Saint-Charles are seen as a generous civic gesture.
- Exterior signage at the Éva-Circé-Côté Library is playful and relevant.
- Despite the PFT's request to locate the café towards the park, the proposal to position it on the street may help to energize the premises and increase its frequentation.
- Inside, the coloring can help with spatial orientation and understanding.
- Generally speaking, the project's budgetary feasibility has been demonstrated.
Arguments against the service
- The footprint of the extension in the park is considerable.
- The choice to propose a large area of green roofs and roof terraces is made at the expense of the park area.
- The main entrance canopy is visually heavy and detracts from the existing building.
- The agora seems a little cramped behind the staircase and elevator.
- The multi-purpose room upstairs is not universally accessible when the library is closed.
- Circulation is multiple and complex.
- The 3rd floor is open to the lower floors, which can create a noisy environment.
- Several elements need to be adjusted to optimize the library's internal operations.
- The proposal lacks a second elevator.
- The possibility of accessing the terrace directly from the park poses a safety issue.
- The proposed volumetry generates a large building envelope.
- The presence of a wide variety of electromechanical systems complicates operations and maintenance.
- Painted steel interior finishes will require increased maintenance in high-traffic areas due to paint wear, also generating additional maintenance costs.
Jury's reservations
- The use of glazed bricks laid vertically is questioned.
- If a restriction (barrier, door or wire cage) to the external staircase leading to the roof terrace were to become necessary for safety reasons, this proposal would be rather difficult for citizens to accept, in addition to being visually uninteresting.
- Although appreciated, the outdoor courtyard in the family section remains of uncertain utility.
- The interior layout offers little flexibility.
- Interior coloring elicits mixed opinions. For some, it is irrelevant to the use of the premises, while for others, it is rather useful for orientation, and has a cheerful, warm impact.
- Although appreciable acoustic measures are proposed, the internal volume and the metal and glass finishes risk rendering these measures insufficient. In use, it is foreseeable that additional measures will be required. The owner may have to install carpets or curtains, which would visually compromise the concept.
- The objectives for achieving LEED certification have been demonstrated. In fact, they are considered too numerous and varied, which would result in additional construction and maintenance costs.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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