The new Octagon library reveals a bright, pleasant, comfortable and playful place. It is organized around a central agora oriented to ensure a fluid and intuitive circulation. The generosity and variety of the interior and exterior spaces that make up the library invite you to spend long moments there. Its organization on two levels, largely open to each other and to the landscape, favors interaction and active mobility. All the activities are thus grouped together inside a pleasant, colorful, fluid and airy volume, a new living environment of great conviviality, the project of a joyful architecture finally realized!
As soon as you enter, whether you arrive on the city side or on the garden side after having successfully completed the hopscotch game that leads to the Octagon, the presence of the large collection of comic books and the anticipation of some very enjoyable reading becomes apparent. All around are the information desk, the community room, the comic book café, the fabulous Fablab; upstairs, on the mezzanine, we see reading, training and circulation spaces, as well as the passageway that leads to the rooftop terrace. Then, beyond, a ceiling whose color evokes a canopy allowing zenithal light to pass through. Initial studies of the daylighting conditions based on digital modeling of the building identified the importance of adding two skylights to achieve a very good level of daylighting autonomy, i.e., an sDA of 65%. This addition is included in the budget. The option of a 75% sDA can be discussed in the integrated design process.
The octagonal geometry of the plan of the two rooms of the library has always contributed to its identity. However, it is a major constraint in terms of space planning and future adjustments. In the new project, the geometry of the interiors follows the existing rectangular structural framework, while the overall perimeter of the building, projected in plan, takes up the figure of the octagon, which is multiplied elsewhere, on the ground, to mark the layout of the pedestrian walkways and the hopscotch games.
The introduction of a mezzanine, which minimizes the horizontal expansion of the building and thus the risks of differential subsidence, also facilitates the use and management of the site and limits the encroachment of the building on the green spaces. This simple and very rich strategy hardly modifies the footprint of the building, to which a few cuts and additions are made in order to regularize the plan.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Big City Workshop + L'OEUF
- The jury first points out the difficulties of the renderings of the proposed project. Although the artistic and aesthetic qualities of the drawings are appreciated, the real materials, structural elements and ambiances are not perceived. More realistic renderings would benefit the performance and limit the effort required to imagine and interpret the real intentions.
- The proposed implementation does not adequately enhance the presence of the building on Dollard Avenue.
- The poetry of the concept is appreciated. The integration of nature through the vertical windows, alternating with the structural elements of wood, gives a spectacular ambiance.
- The playful and distinctive architecture contributes to the attractiveness of the institution. It arouses curiosity by the particular treatment of its exterior envelope.
- The distribution of numerous windows and skylights provides users and staff with a generous environment of natural light.
- Although the central agora gives the building a rather commercial aspect, it allows for fluidity and a good understanding of the spaces that surround it. It energizes the space and meets the objectives of creating community spaces that promote socialization.
- The proposal only partially meets the objectives formulated in the vision statement.
- Despite the vertical openings to the exterior, the library, like the existing Octagon, remains inward-looking. The concept of recreating the octagonal shape contributes to the library's inward focus.
- The three entrances leading to the central hall are an excellent solution to the different accesses to the site.
- The building is equipped with several double-height sectors allowing an interesting variety and richness of atmosphere.
- The interior layout allows for good flexibility and functionality. The jury recognizes good organizational principles. However, there are a few elements that could be improved, particularly the link between the community room and the animation room.
- The limited footprint is evidence of a responsible project. The sustainable development measures to achieve the targeted LEED certification still need to be completed, but they seem to be heading in the right direction to reach the objectives. The recycling of the existing structure is interesting.
- The exterior staircases are not in compliance with municipal regulations. However, the jury considers that this deviation is minor and that solutions can easily be envisaged.
- Several technical proposals are identified as optional and are not included in the current project.
- The proposed thermal envelope has an attractive superior performance.
- Budget feasibility has been satisfactorily demonstrated. However, a validation of the building envelope costs should be performed at the beginning of a possible mandate.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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