Nouvelle bibliothèque de Saint-Laurent / New Saint-Laurent Library
2009
Montréal, Quebec, Canada- Architecture for culture, research, sport or leisure
- Building
- Library
OUTLOOK: a sustainable, humane, twenty first century library.
The Saint-Laurent neighbourhood wants to offer its 86,700 citizens a second library firmly anchored in the twenty first century, equipped with state of the art technology and focused on high quality standards, while never neglecting the human scale.
The project also includes an exhibition center and museum. Set in lush green space, the building creates a new gateway to Marc-Laurin Park's wooded area while enhancing the site. This sustainable building is aiming for LEED gold certification and is an iconic symbol for citizens, both with its location, purpose and by the excellence of its architecture and design.
The library, exhibition center and museum create a new cultural space that is very attractive and accessible to all citizens. Gathering these different spaces gives citizens added value and originality. In addition, the complex strengthens existing recreational and civil bonds and opens a new democratic, social and meaningful space for the neighbourhood.
Citizens are proud of this new sustainable building. Regardless of their age of origin, they are attracted by its design and they way it makes them feel at ease. The main hall is appropriated and becomes a space filled with information and discovery. The cafe, adjacent to the main hall, is a place to meet people, discuss and relax. Upon entering the building, citizens are always sure there is something interesting to discover.
The exhibition center's priority is to allow citizens to discover professional quality exhibitions. The center is also concerned with showcasing local artists work. The main hall acts as a display and primer for the exhibition center. Given the fact that the library is so close, this allows for a mutually beneficial relationship between both services.
The museum is an integral part of the building. Again, the main hall acts as a showcase for the museum, exposing Quebec's master artisans. Its location allows a relationship with the exhibition center and the library. The reserve however, consists of a separate private entity and is only accessible by the museum's personnel.
At the library, all citizens whether alone, within families or groups, all find the solution to their needs at multiple stages in their professional and personal lives.
(From competition brief)
The Saint-Laurent neighbourhood wants to offer its 86,700 citizens a second library firmly anchored in the twenty first century, equipped with state of the art technology and focused on high quality standards, while never neglecting the human scale.
The project also includes an exhibition center and museum. Set in lush green space, the building creates a new gateway to Marc-Laurin Park's wooded area while enhancing the site. This sustainable building is aiming for LEED gold certification and is an iconic symbol for citizens, both with its location, purpose and by the excellence of its architecture and design.
The library, exhibition center and museum create a new cultural space that is very attractive and accessible to all citizens. Gathering these different spaces gives citizens added value and originality. In addition, the complex strengthens existing recreational and civil bonds and opens a new democratic, social and meaningful space for the neighbourhood.
Citizens are proud of this new sustainable building. Regardless of their age of origin, they are attracted by its design and they way it makes them feel at ease. The main hall is appropriated and becomes a space filled with information and discovery. The cafe, adjacent to the main hall, is a place to meet people, discuss and relax. Upon entering the building, citizens are always sure there is something interesting to discover.
The exhibition center's priority is to allow citizens to discover professional quality exhibitions. The center is also concerned with showcasing local artists work. The main hall acts as a display and primer for the exhibition center. Given the fact that the library is so close, this allows for a mutually beneficial relationship between both services.
The museum is an integral part of the building. Again, the main hall acts as a showcase for the museum, exposing Quebec's master artisans. Its location allows a relationship with the exhibition center and the library. The reserve however, consists of a separate private entity and is only accessible by the museum's personnel.
At the library, all citizens whether alone, within families or groups, all find the solution to their needs at multiple stages in their professional and personal lives.
(From competition brief)