A place of discovery and openness to its environment and community
The site of the future expansion of the Saul-Bellow Library offers a unique opportunity to plan the transformation of a central sector of the borough of Lachine and to take advantage of the privileged position of this cultural institution, namely at the intersection of two important axes: 32nd Avenue and Saint-Antoine Street. The first, linking the site and the library to the highway and to the metropolitan territory; and the second, parallel to the river and on a more human scale, linking the institution to the residential neighborhoods.
From this guideline, a reflection was required on the implementation of an expansion and the design of an architectural project that harmonizes the links between the neighborhood, the existing building and Patterson Park, and the memory of the historic vocation of gathering and exchange of the site. A memory that is perpetuated today through the cultural, community and public function of the library.
Our first planning decision was therefore to position the expansion in relation to the existing quality elements, to be preserved and enhanced, namely the building, the green space planted with mature trees on Saint-Antoine Street and Patterson Park located behind it. Two landscaped spaces that stand out nicely in a sector where cars and large asphalt surfaces predominate.
The implementation proposes to define two new outdoor spaces, highlighting the landscaped esplanade to the south and the park to the north. These outdoor spaces will be conducive to gatherings, exchanges and cultural or community events, and will be directly linked to the new lobby, located on the same level. This sequence of three public spaces interacting with the library and the neighbourhood is the basis for the development of the project.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Criterion 1:
The simplicity of the concept, based on the entrance and landscape, offers limited potential for envelope treatment, with the bioclimatic component already integrated, and the operation defined by the entrance party.
This concept is therefore more static, but the team has the potential to evolve it.
Criteria 2 and 3:
The formal concept offers less flexibility and potential for evolution over time. On the other hand, the existing part becomes easily rearranged by the simplicity of its integration and the proposed functional organization.
Criteria 4 and 5:
The plan proposes an efficient and fluid operation in addition to a good relationship to the park; the comfortable atmosphere does not lead to discovery, everything being defined from the hall.
The bioclimatic reflection is advanced and integrated.
Criteria 5 and 6 :
The new 32nd Street façade offers a somewhat weak presence and detracts from its identity potential.
There is much work to be done to improve its visibility and that of its entrance.
In terms of budget, its simplicity of construction and small area variance meets the budget challenge.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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