Architectural concept
A space for the community
The scale of the new building, in keeping with the row houses along the park's shores, creates an inviting space for citizens. The two-level layout makes the program easily accessible in open, flexible spaces. The layout and geometry of the intervention define spaces for outdoor activities in relation to the public domain. The ground floor is completely transparent, giving a glimpse of the library's activities and affirming the democratic nature of the site. The airy volume of the 2nd level unfurls freely towards the intersection of Rue Grand Trunk, echoing the angled geometry of the urban grid of Rue d'Hibernia. It forms an inviting canopy over the forecourt. Together with the St-Charles recreation center, the new library forms a dynamic urban crossroads on the shared street along this stretch. At the rear, the volume also extends beyond the ground floor, forming a large covered space that is just as inviting, in continuity with the park and housing the outdoor agora and café terrace. These interventions reinforce the importance of the library as a public space for the community.
A dialogue between heritage and contemporary
The juxtaposition of the new building with the old is done by contrast in a perspective of respect and enhancement of the heritage building. The massive, opaque masonry walls of the old barracks are characteristic of the construction style of the period. They have been preserved and restored, and only a few additional openings have been made in the rear and rear façades, to ensure a fluid flow through the library spaces, while at the same time highlighting their different architectural qualities. In contrast, the exterior envelope of the contemporary section is more transparent, with its curtain walls and pleated metal skin.
Inside, along the junction between the two buildings, a long, slender, two-storey gap opens up and reveals the full height of the original brick façade. The "solidarity labyrinth
The "Labyrinth of Solidarity", a collective work created by the people of the Pointe St-Charles community, takes its place in the reception area on this open wall, taking advantage of the height needed to unfold and be visible to all as a reminder of their contribution to this lively place. The volume between the barracks and the drying tower has been rebuilt to maintain the distinction of the building's evolution, revealing the rear brick facade of the former barracks. It also provides an efficient link between the existing building and its extension, with a dedicated entrance for employees and a secondary entrance onto the park. This part is rebuilt to allow the bracing of the heritage building, avoiding as much structural modification as possible.
The agora at the heart of the library
The double-height agora is the heart of the library. Tiered seating around a recessed central space allows for great flexibility in both impromptu and organized activities. Balconies on the agora reinforce its role as a theatrical focal point. Together with its external extension, the agora forms a lively public space on a level with the park. Continuing in the same vein and with a similar configuration, the outdoor agora is a real place of convergence and socialization between the park and the library.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Arguments in favour of the project
- As stated in the conceptual approach to the application file in the first stage of the competition, the historical reference to the presence of a public bath on the site is very interesting and original, and forms the core of the project.
- The conceptual research results in a beautiful aesthetic effect and demonstrates a richness of thought.
- The transparency of the first floor combined with the discretion and subtlety of the upper floor results in elegant architecture.
- The gap between the barracks and the extension is a good strategy for ensuring respect for the heritage building.
- The inner courtyard, like a park in the library, is much appreciated.
- The proposal's advantages in terms of rainwater management are recognized.
- The optimization of geothermal energy is demonstrated.
Arguments against the proposal
- The reception area seems narrow and not conducive to civic gatherings.
- The footprint of the public bath forces a difficult programmatic organization. Another way of marking the memory of this historic site could have eliminated many compromises and inflexibilities.
- The imposed form of the public bath penalizes the fluidity of the whole.
- Library life is difficult, and in particular the division of the youth section on two levels is unacceptable.
- The functionality of the premises does not seem to be achievable.
- Intuitive orientation is difficult.
- The offer is structurally diversified but lacks a common concept.
- The work initiated by the professionals does not seem to have been carried out in PCI.
- The realism of the budget feasibility is called into question by a very low estimate for electromechanical systems.
Jury's reservations
- The indoor-outdoor agora is interesting, but the fact that it is separated from the other spaces (interior side) by glass panels makes it more difficult for spontaneous use.
- Energy performance remains to be demonstrated.
- The measures applied to achieve LEED certification are presented without conviction.
(From jury report)
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