Montreal, Quebec
Cultural
Competition, Finalist
Anchored in the heart of Vieux Aylmer, the project is more than a library, as it plays an important role as a community hub and public square, enhancing the connection between the Rue Principale, the Parc Commémoratif and the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer. With its uniform clay colored prefab concrete facades and its large framed openings, the new library and civic center echoes the prevalent smaller red brick constructions in the area, while still affirming itself as an iconic contemporary addition for the city. All four sides of the rectangular shaped building are treated evenly with no strong hierarchy between its facades. A setback on the East side directly across from the Parc forms a small open public square and marks the main entrance. A second entrance in the middle of the south façade, provides direct access for pedestrians on Rue Principale. The two entrances converge naturally towards the central atrium, allowing fluid circulation towards the library and service center, all the way up to the roof. On the upper floor, shared workspaces open up onto an expansive roof terrace and garden with rare views of the neighborhood and the Outaouais River further to the West.
In collaboration with Architecture49
Images by Laurier Verdaguer
Cultural
Competition, Finalist
Anchored in the heart of Vieux Aylmer, the project is more than a library, as it plays an important role as a community hub and public square, enhancing the connection between the Rue Principale, the Parc Commémoratif and the Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer. With its uniform clay colored prefab concrete facades and its large framed openings, the new library and civic center echoes the prevalent smaller red brick constructions in the area, while still affirming itself as an iconic contemporary addition for the city. All four sides of the rectangular shaped building are treated evenly with no strong hierarchy between its facades. A setback on the East side directly across from the Parc forms a small open public square and marks the main entrance. A second entrance in the middle of the south façade, provides direct access for pedestrians on Rue Principale. The two entrances converge naturally towards the central atrium, allowing fluid circulation towards the library and service center, all the way up to the roof. On the upper floor, shared workspaces open up onto an expansive roof terrace and garden with rare views of the neighborhood and the Outaouais River further to the West.
In collaboration with Architecture49
Images by Laurier Verdaguer