Premises and ontology of place
- To underline the expression of the different historical periods; an expressive stratigraphy; interface between the Formal and the Functional.
- To affirm a new identity, as a memory of the place in which the contemporary intervention is inserted in a spirit of coherence and dialogue.
- To preserve the characteristic elements of the place as concrete signs of the evolution and durability of the community it represents.
- Install a new "Urban Piece" in a continuity of the City Beautiful movement, such as a building implanted in a pavilion style in the middle of a flowerbed, according to its civic and stylistic principles and visions.
Civic approach
Taking into account the surrounding characteristics, we propose a larger space, the PARVIS of the library - The Cultural Patio - oriented towards the Maison de la culture to the east, but also and above all a large linear and continuous public space along Ontario Drive. This civic space is modulated in three places; the parvis, the parterre and the courtyard. The main entrance moves east to an accessible first floor, in continuity with the square. The new volumetry will provide light and transparency to the reception and meeting spaces: Discovery Street.
This public space underlines the presence of the original monumental architecture and the contemporary and transparent insertion of its extension in a coherent whole. We are inspired by the multidisciplinary approach of the City Beautiful movement, still relevant today, which integrated a holistic civic vision; urban, architectural and landscape. The strong presence of the original building is superimposed by bold, dynamic and contemporary gestures that mark the innovative character of the technological and media content of the new library, while supporting the value of permanence of this place promoting literacy: Parcours d'éveil à la lecture.
The architectural and urban proposal is affirmed in a tripartite installation. The neo-classical building in the center, confirming its presence and dominant character, is bordered laterally by two "pavilions" of an open and porous architecture. This ensemble offers an invitation, but also "exposes" its internal uses, both related to free and technological activities (to the east) and to the essence of what the library remains, as a place of reading, learning and discovery (to the west): Street of arts and knowledge.
The overall unity is expressed less by materiality than by the gesture of alignment and marking, that is to say the capacity of the architecture to "hold the public space".
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
- A beautiful dance between eras, between the exterior and the interior, between the active and the contemplative.
- A humble intervention that respects the heritage building and the site.
- The concept presented proves to be a highly positive element in the evolution of the urban landscape.
- The enhancement of the heritage building is a very clever and applauded success. The concern for this enhancement is demonstrated both inside and outside. The development of two atriums on each side of the existing building allows for a clearer view and an accentuated presentation of the architectural heritage.
- The respect and the historical reminders in the proposed interventions, such as the fountain, are highly appreciated.
- The architectural treatment of the west façade on Pie-IX Boulevard is interesting.
- The landscaping is appreciated, but it is recognized that it is very programmed and lacks flexibility. The fate of the existing trees on the east side of the site remains to be clarified.
- The outdoor area where the fountain is located could become an outdoor event space.
- The civic promenade, its link with the cultural patio and the Maison de la culture are successful.
- We feel the unity of the building and the clear affirmation of the new identity entrance. However, we underline a certain questioning about the materiality proposed for the realization of this tower, the maintenance of glass behind the metallic walls and the durability of the whole.
- The new volumes are inviting for the citizens and clearly express the function of the building. They contribute in an assumed way to the improvement of the visibility of the library.
- The playful aspect of the proposal is in line with the objectives of the vision of a 21st century library. We understand the desire to democratize knowledge.
- The development of the digital collection is positively noted.
- The quality of the interior fittings and their functionality are underlined.
- The configuration and location of the landing may pose a problem of congestion of the street.
- The management and flow of the book seem complicated and do not convince the jury that these aspects work well.
- The access to the roof gardens is appreciated by the jury and makes it possible to imagine a use independent of the library's interior activities.
- The proposed solutions in sustainable development aiming to make the building evolve in its energy consumption are highly appreciated.
The jury underlines the following characteristics of the Hanganu + ÉVOQ architects' project
- Undeniable enhancement of the heritage building.
- User-friendly, playful and attractive proposal for the citizen.
- Beneficial intervention for the current and future urban landscape.
- Appreciation of the civic promenade.
- Strong signal for the main entrance.
- Most functional of the four proposals.
- Appreciation of the proposal in sustainable development.
Jury Recommendations
For the benefit of future developments, the jury makes the following recommendations to improve the winning proposal:
- Make the elevator more visible by clearing it and proposing a certain transparency to better locate it. Validate its dimensions in order to ensure a good circulation service for users.
- Evaluate the possibility of allowing access to the basement via a ramp in order to increase traffic flow (strollers, seniors, school groups, etc.).
- Provide the necessary facilities to accommodate groups.
- Validate and revise as necessary the choice of materials for the outdoor street furniture to ensure durability and comfort.
Validate and revise as necessary the choice of materials proposed for the tower envelope to ensure its quality, maintenance and long-term appearance.
- Ensure the prevention of trees located at the corner of Desjardins and Ontario. Validate the possibility of keeping the conifers on the Pie-IX Boulevard side.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
44 scanned / 44 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Site Plan
- Site Plan
- Plan
- Plan
- Plan
- Plan
- Section
- Section
- Section
- Elevation
- Elevation
- Elevation
- Elevation
- Axonometric Drawing
- Axonometric Drawing
- Construction detail
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Reference Image
- Reference Image
- Reference Image
