ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT
The intentions behind our approach are based on four major objectives:
- To offer the Lasalle community a place of exchange, discovery and action that it can appropriate;
- To offer new spaces for the users of the Octagon library so that it can redefine itself as a third place and "continue to flourish as a flagship institution in its environment";
- Develop a contemporary architectural solution that creates an urban landmark as well as a structuring, innovative, dynamic and sustainable civic and cultural hub; and
- Create inspiring and diversified atmospheres in dialogue with the city and its citizens.
The location and the implantation of the existing library, at the crossroads of three major axes (Dollard Avenue, La Vérendrye Boulevard and its bicycle path, the Lien Vert) dictated the urban strategy around which the project was developed. The north-south axis defines, on the east side, the urban zone that houses the community activities and, on the west side, the landscape zone associated with the library spaces. Along this axis, which begins at Dollard Avenue, the urban square, the large entrance hall, the access to Parc Félix-Leclerc and the green parking lot are successively deployed.
The addition of a floor to the library not only marks its entrance on Dollard Avenue and promotes its visibility in the city, but also makes its spatial organization more dynamic and enriching. This new floor also makes it possible to reinforce visual links to the Parc Félix-Leclerc and the Canal de l'Aqueduc. The current Octagon thus becomes the base on which the new volume of the expansion is placed.
The new Octagon is distinguished by its three lanterns articulated around the heart of the building, which recalls the movement of the Windmill. The urban lantern is placed on the administrative and support areas of the existing library and constitutes an identity landmark at the intersection of Dollard Avenue and Salley Street. Its window animated by the adult sector's workrooms and arranged inside cartoonist frames opens towards the square and the public square, the neighborhood and the Green Link. This lantern is wrapped in a smooth and luminous metallic skin. Its side wall offers an animated and attractive facade of the broadcasts the themes and devices will be developed with the client: connected screens, signage and artistic light work in connection with the comic book, simultaneous broadcast on the large wall of the nearby water plant ...
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Anne Carrier architecture + Labonté Marcil in consortium
- The understanding of the site and the environment in which it is located is unequivocal. The studies carried out on this subject allow for a logical and sensitive proposal to the environment and the citizens of LaSalle.
- The vigour and clarity of the architectural party are very much appreciated. Its playful aspect is most attractive.
- The presence of the three lanterns is an undeniable attraction factor. Although they are all inviting, the lantern facing the corner of Salley and Dollard streets is particularly so. However, it was pointed out that this space will be very energy consuming, being oriented towards the north and with a lot of windows.
- The presence and celebration of comics in the heart of the library was emphasized.
- There is a clear understanding of the goals outlined in the vision statement. The project encourages imagination, dreams and movement.
- The proposal meets the objectives of creating community spaces that encourage socialization.
- The interior design allows for flexibility and functionality. The fluidity of the internal circulation is emphasized. Some elements could be improved to optimize functionality, notably the position of the book chute.
- The central staircase provides easy access to the various sectors.
- The integration of a fireplace adds to the comfort and experience of the user. The same is true for the design of the terrace facing the park and located on the second floor.
- The limited footprint is a testament to the presentation of a responsible project. The sustainable development measures to achieve the targeted LEED certification are interesting.
- The exterior staircase is not in compliance with municipal regulations. However, the jury believes that this deviation is minor and that solutions can easily be found. In addition, a solution may be required to regularize the presence of the landing door in the side yard.
- The proposed technical solutions are interesting, particularly the structural strategy and the decentralized mechanical systems.
- The money and resources available are well invested.
- Budget feasibility has been satisfactorily demonstrated.
For the benefit of future developments, the jury makes the following recommendations to improve the winning proposal:
- Evaluate the possibility of placing reading lounges in place of workrooms in the urban lantern.
- Adapt the mechanics (HVAC) to maintain occupant comfort for the same façade of the urban lantern that has significant fenestration to the north.
- Evaluate the possibility of moving the fireplace to the center of the urban lantern so that it is visible as soon as the user arrives on the floor via the central staircase.
- Review the location of the training room (1506 B) due to the generous amount of sunlight that can interfere with computer work.
- Evaluate the possibility of interchanging the positions of the self-service kiosks (1105) and the reception desk (1101).
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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