Bibliothèque du Boisé wins Grand Prix of Excellence of OAQ

The new Montreal library, Bibliothèque du Boisé, has won the Grand Prix of Excellence of OAQ for 2015. With an area of more than 5,000 m², the library provides a space for exploration and discovery. The sculptural facade creates a deep connection between the outdoors and the library.

Image © Doublespace photography

From the architects:

The Bibliothèque du Boisé, designed by the consortium Eric Pelletier, Cardinal Hardy – two firms that joined Lemay in 2013 and 2014 respectively – and Labonté Marcil architects, has won the Grand Prix of Excellence of the Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ) 2015.

Image © Doublespace photography

Rewarding the Bibliothèque du Boisé appeared to be obvious for all members of the jury: “This is a very successful project that includes indoor and outdoor public spaces. Far for being a simple assemblage, every space and every square meter is beautiful, from volume to perspectives, from ceiling details to materials and furniture. Tremendous work has been performed to translate this excellence inside out. The building is uniquely built into the site it takes to grips with the landscape. His sculptural silhouette is elegant, thanks to its wave wood. “

Image © Doublespace photography

The Bibliothèque du Boisé aims to become a place fostering a feeling of belonging, promoting exploration and discovery. Located between Thimens Boulevard and the Marcel-Laurin Park, it covers a surface area of 5,000 m² and is integrated into the site by drawing on its major elements.

Image © Doublespace photography

This isn’t a project about architecture alone: it’s also about landscape. As such, this certified LEED Platinum building connects the city with the surrounding landscape, and serves as a point of connection that allows users to explore its site—inside and outside, from Boulevard Thimens as well as from the park.

Image © Doublespace photography

Visitors will discover the building by approaching it from a variety of spaces both intimate and dramatic, spaces that, by offering a variety of access pathways, set the stage for the site as well as for its users.

Image © Doublespace photography

In this project, architecture is landscape and landscape is architecture. The architecture changes shape, unfolds, spreads out and rises up, reducing the boundaries between the built space and the site.

Image © Doublespace photography

There are several means of access to the building – all of which encourage interaction and discovery. Therefore, the library is not an architectural gesture, but rather an act of communication and exchange. It gives to the collectivity the opportunity to get together and know each other.

Image © Yien Chao

Far from a monumental approach, the library is integrated into a natural and urban context, it adds richness to the site, helps to define the space and offers a simple and universal reading.

Image © Doublespace photography

True reflection of the human condition, of the fate of a changing landscape, of its architecture, the Bibliothèque du Boisé created a significant identity hub as well as a rich, dynamic and open space where boundaries are redefined to foster discovery, learning, and a sense of belonging for the entire community.

Facts:
Type Of Project: Institutional public building
Location: 2727 Thimens Boulevard, Saint-Laurent, Montréal
Commissioned: July 6, 2013
Client: City of Montréal, St-Laurent Borough, Marie-Claude Le Sauteur
Architects: Cardinal Hardy | Labonté Marcil | Eric Pelletier architecte in consortium Claude Jean, architect, project manager
Team: Jean Marcil (architect, partner in charge), Eric Pelletier (architect, lead designer), Pierre Labonté (architect), Amélie Turgeon (architect), Annie Martineau (architect), Bao Nguyen (landscape architect), Denis Clermont (architect)
Structural Engineer: SDK et associés inc., Hélène Brisebois, engineer
Mechanical And Electrical Engineer: Leroux Beaudoin Hurens et associés inc. (now known as « Beaudoin Hurens »), Benoit Lemire, engineer, project manager
Elevator Specialist: MCI Consultants inc., Ronald Méthé
Acoustic Specialist: Davidson & Associés inc., Steve Davidson (engineer), Jean-Pierre Legault (acoustic consultant)
Contractor: Pomerleau
Area: 5960 m², including 4286 m² for the library
Floors: 2 levels + 1 underground
Capacity: 140 000 documents
Program: library and all its services, Lethbridge exhibition hall and museum archives for the Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec.
Main materials: Wood (interior siding), zinc (exterior siding) and stone (exterior siding)
Certification: LEED NC Platinum
Cost: Approximately $20 million CA
Photography: Doublespace photography, Yien Chao