GABRIELLE-ROY LIBRARY
A NEW PUBLIC SPACE FOR ST-ROCH
The architectural approach we propose for the library aims to distribute the meeting and social spaces on all levels so as to inhabit and animate all the layers of the building. On each floor, both in the existing building and in its extension, a new interface with the collections and the city is proposed. The library experience thus becomes a rich journey alternating between projection and introversion.
Located in the heart of a district in full cultural and economic effervescence, the Gabrielle Roy Library is subject to a multitude of influences that feed and stimulate it. Among the distinctive characteristics of this environment, social diversity and mix play an important role and shape the identity of Saint- Roch on many levels. It is therefore at the heart of this movement that BGR takes its roots and draws the energy necessary for its growth.
The relationship with the city is therefore the cornerstone of the project. This public approach to the institution makes Saint-Roch the first home of BGR. This primary connection is reinforced by important urban and architectural gestures that will benefit both the institution and the surrounding community. On the first floor, a generous forecourt gives the library an undeniably urban character. In addition, the physical and visual continuity with the neighbouring public square increases the opportunities for exchange and activation between the library and its neighbourhood. Together, the BGR forecourt and the public square constitute a vibrant urban plaque punctuated with various elements and events (furniture, gardens, collections, workshops, etc.). This inhabited and animated plaque thus ensures a union between the library and the public domain.
On the first floor, the youth, civic life and culinary foyers activate a true interior public square. On levels 02 and 04, where we find collection and animation spaces with various themes, a silk-screened glass envelope of diaphanous appearance ensures an environment conducive to learning and concentration. On level 03, spaces for creation and diffusion create a second public layer open to the city. Finally, a series of terraces spread out in tiers between levels 04 and 05 continue and enrich this urban dynamic up to the roof.
FLOWS AND CIRCULATIONS
In support of this vision of a community and citizen infrastructure, a distinct circulation network visible from St-Joseph Street allows access and autonomous operation of the broadcasting room located on levels 02 and 03. Thus, cultural events can be organized independently of the library's opening hours. In addition, a generous foyer opening onto St-Joseph Street as an outdoor terrace ensures a close dialogue with this lively thoroughfare and the surrounding cultural infrastructures. The auditorium can thus participate in the urban animation of St-Roch and its users can enjoy it during the evenings of representation.
The hall's foyers, spread over two levels, will facilitate access in all configurations (flat or Italian style). These foyer spaces can be used in conjunction with the library spaces when there is no activity in the hall, adding to the versatility of the ensemble. The freight elevator, judiciously positioned to accommodate the significant handling required for this type of room, will avoid interference with the library.
This open and accessible vision of the library is also reinforced by its open-plan layout, which encourages exchanges, sharing and pooling. Where required, partitions allow for the physical and acoustic separation of spaces in order to maximize the functionality of the facilities. Sometimes transparent, sometimes removable, these walls ensure a high level of versatility and enhance user comfort. Indeed, the numerous visual openings towards the city and between the spaces will facilitate the orientation of the users and will allow a maximum of light, whether natural or artificial, to travel through the library and beyond.
The stratification of functions in the project requires the establishment of friendly and stimulating vertical connections. These are achieved through two levers: through perforations in the slabs and inviting circulations, and through a network of green spaces of varying size and nature.
From St-Joseph Street, access to the library is direct and intuitive thanks to the openness and transparency of the envelope. In the basement, where a public tunnel gives access to BGR from the parking area, the user is invited to enter the library through a generous winter garden. This pivotal space also marks the entrance to the administration area where it provides natural light and enhances the employee experience by offering a place to relax and contemplate. From this space, the user will then transit to the library reception area located on the first floor.
Once past the check-in and reception area, the visitor is naturally guided to the heart of the library from which a zenithal light emanates. It is in this circular space that the main circulation network of the library unfolds. From floor to floor, angled staircases with various orientations are projected into the space. Their landings become balconies where users can discover new views of the library.
Micheline Beauchemin's work, entitled "Il semble y avoir comme une pluie d'or", installed in the heart of the atrium, will be illuminated from all sides. The imposing sculpture, a landmark work by a renowned Quebec artist, will harmonize in its transparency and brilliance with the luminous interiors proposed for BGR and its open-plan layout.
A LIBRARY WITH MULTIPLE IDENTITIES
With the aim of creating a third democratic and civic place, we propose a library that is resolutely open, without bias and without preconceptions, an incubator of events and meetings capable of transformation and adaptation. More precisely, the library we propose is a living literary, cultural and civic organization.
In contrast to its current condition, we wish to allow BGR to become more exposed and to reach out to its community. With new players and new goals, BGR does not crysalize itself around an imposed image or anticipated configuration, but rather celebrates its meteoric growth. Through the expansion and renovation project, its focuses of activity will project beyond the existing shell to make new connections. Through this movement, it is the very substance of the library that seeks to spread and decompartmentalize.
In all respects, the Gabrielle Roy Library proposes an expansive space with changing identities: a network of kaleidoscopic experiences in constant mutation. Through the materiality of its envelope, sometimes clear, sometimes diaphanous, the library will have a fleeting, evanescent character. Its appearance and its interior ambiances will fluctuate according to the atmospheric conditions and the seasons. Moreover, the use of the library throughout the day will be a spectacle in itself. Depending on the activation cycle and the traffic of the different foyers, a play of light and shadow with varying densities will make BGR and its neighbourhood vibrate.
VISION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
In addition to being carefully integrated into its social and urban fabric, the proposed project for the expansion and renovation of the Gabrielle Roy Library incorporates several strategies related to sustainable development. In addition to reducing the building's ecological footprint, these strategies will have a positive impact on user comfort and the building's operating costs over the medium and long term.
USER COMFORT
First of all, special attention was paid to user comfort. Through abundant fenestration and judicious planning of spaces, the project's natural light intake is greatly enhanced and will promote reading and consultation activities for all. This improvement also includes spaces in the basement through the creation of an important opening in the first floor slab. The multiple views to the exterior, as well as the cross-views between floors, will also improve the orientation and experience of users.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The project will achieve energy savings targets through multiple measures that will be implemented throughout the process, from design to construction. The performance of the glass envelope will be achieved through high performance glass. Portions of the facades will be composed of a hazy-looking glass that, with the help of screen printing, will significantly reduce solar thermal gain and glare. The clear glass walls have been positioned to be protected by large overhangs that will act as sunshades and reduce solar gain in the summer. The southeast orientation of the main façade is used in the project to achieve these bioclimatic qualities. Another important benefit of the siting is the minimal amount of southwest facing openings. Internally, air stratification strategies will take advantage of the existing atrium and natural ventilation could be incorporated into the project to further reduce the environmental footprint. Other energy efficiency measures will be implemented, such as LED lighting, motion sensors, heat recovery and displacement ventilation.
VEGETATION AND HEAT ISLANDS
Greenery will have an important place in this public infrastructure. Terraces, roof gardens and other landscaping will allow users to be close to nature in the city and will be an effective measure to fight against heat islands. It should be noted that the St-Roch sector, which is rather densely urbanized, will benefit greatly from the new green areas that will be integrated into the project. The vegetation planned for the interior of the building will be an asset as much for the interior ambiance as for the air quality and the comfort of the users.
PERFORMANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF MATERIALS
Finally, the building materials used in the Gabrielle Roy Library will be carefully selected for their aesthetic and material qualities as well as their durability and ease of maintenance. Materials with a high recycled content and/or regional origin will contribute to reducing the consumption of resources and energy and, at the same time, the ecological footprint of the building. Waste recovery during construction will also be implemented in the project, as sound waste management is an important aspect of reducing the ecological impact of construction sites.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
SP/GLCRM
2.2.1- The members of the jury consider that the clarity of the concept (stratification/delamination) transposed into volumetric interventions is very well demonstrated. This stratification makes it possible to fragment the volume and reduce its impact on the immediate exterior environment. This proposal would enrich the neighborhood in a very positive way while respecting its scale.
2.2.2- The link between the building and the public space is skilfully demonstrated by the clearing of the forecourt on St. Joseph Street and by the continuity of the proposed floor treatment from the square to the interior spaces. Despite the fact that the development of the square is not part of the mandate, the jury appreciated this proposal to move from the interior to the exterior.
2.2.3- In general, the proposal meets the functional distribution requirements of the PFT very well. However, the proposal of the landing without interior shelter for trucks is not acceptable, as well as the proposed location of the public toilets. That said, the relocation of the landing opens up a great opportunity for a through space from south to north.
2.2.4-The provision of natural light in the administrative spaces is beautifully provided by the construction of a winter garden.
2.2.5-The proposed layout of the circulations is very clear and has the advantage of offering great flexibility, thus allowing the possible evolution of the homes over the years.
2.2.6-The proposed structural interventions are skilful and very controlled in order to limit their budgetary impact.
2.2.7- The position and treatment proposed for the broadcasting room would ensure an undeniable presence on St. Joseph Street, while allowing for simple and manageable independent accessibility.
2.2.8- The integration of the work of Micheline Beauchemin is remarkable. The proposed interior treatment, particularly that of the ceilings, would ensure an optimal cohabitation.
2.2.9- In spite of the data provided and the reassuring remarks during the hearing, a concern persists as to the possibility of carrying out the project within the budget. A rationalization of the proposed interventions remains foreseeable.
2.2.10- A reservation is expressed about the presence of the fireplaces inside the proposed developments. The very pure architectural expression risks to cohabit with the objective of the very identity and animated homes as desired in the PFT.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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