RADIANT IN THE HEART OF FÉLIX-LECLERC PARK
Known for its large collection of comic books, the Octagon Library has been completely transformed into a radiant architecture that plays with contrast and spacing, reflecting the strength, efficiency and countless artistic choices of the comic book universe.
The architecture of the new library proceeds to a re-reading of the codes, techniques, approaches and distinctive feelings that the world of comics arouses, among different age groups as well as on a global scale. Black and white, colors, lines (black line and "clear line") and light literally participate in the composition of the new architectural ensemble: two volumes, one black and white and one in color, are spaced and amplified by a garden of light and walkways, representing both the experience of reading and the passage of time.
From a functional point of view, the new Octagon is inspired by the tabular approach of the text and the board, and more specifically by the "waffle board" which arranges the squares and dictates the meaning and the (Western) reading path. The meaning, like the path, is thus clearly exposed, from one box to another.
Like a tabular text, the Octagon project is thus composed of different "modules" or boxes (spaces, places, functions), each having a relative autonomy but being interdependent one from the other, grouped together on a delimited material space (the site). The reception area, the hall and the agora, the teenagers' and adults' volume, the "interior" garden, the children's volume and the park are part of a sequence of spaces and atmospheres that are both rich and eloquent, facilitating the understanding of the places and the orientation.
Four years later, the Octagon Library has been renovated and expanded. It has kept its name, which it proudly affirms with its new colorful façade that completely circles the octagonal plan of the original building. The colors of the Octagon, which refer to the spectrum of light, strongly objectify the shape of a place now recognized as the wonderful colored pavilion in the heart of the Félix-Leclerc Park, which has literally merged with the library.
Citizens of all ages enjoy meeting there, both in the library and in the park, in a joyful, friendly, sometimes restful and sometimes festive atmosphere. The café, the roof garden, the new terraces and the square on the south side connecting to the park, are well sunny, protected from the wind and attract a whole new clientele.
Offering a variety of locations and ambiences, users greatly appreciate their new library, which generously allows nature and light to enter the heart of its areas and activities. When they go home, they like to talk about how well the new library is integrated into Félix-Leclerc Park and how easy it is to find a place to read or work, both sunny and with a view of the park or the garden.
Over time, all the users have even learned to draw and explain how they see and why they appreciate their new library so much...
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
BGLA inc / Blouin Tardif architectes inc
- The project is elegant and at the same time has a moment of madness on the side of Félix-Leclerc Park. It is very pleasant and attractive for the users of this park.
- A demonstration of particular links between the park and the octagonal section of the building would have been interesting for the anchoring of the project on the site.
- The proposed "lantern" along Dollard Avenue is perceived as an austere and intimidating armor that protects the colorful octagonal jewel facing the park. This presence on the main artery does not encourage the discovery of the site. An additional touch of madness from this volume could have contributed more to the invitation to enter.
- The principle of black-white versus color is well captured, but it doesn't seem to apply exclusively to the comic.
- The concept of the black line connecting the new library to comics is interesting, but the conceptual rigor comes at the expense of the customer experience.
- The path of the black line should lead to an element, or even an event, that is much more striking than the black box that houses the comic book artist's studio.
- The quality of the natural lighting in the user spaces is remarkable.
- The responses to the objectives of the vision statement are not found in the proposal. The terms "imagine, escape, dream" from the statement seem to give way to the term "control", particularly with regard to the route to be followed.
- The choice to place technical premises (book depository and electromechanical room) and inanimate premises on the first floor of the building at the corner of Salley and Dollard streets is not appreciated by the jury. The same is true for the locker rooms and the washroom located at the other end of this façade.
- The interior layout shows an appreciated organizational simplicity. However, some functional deficiencies were raised in the technical committee's report and recognized by the jury.
- The proposal of two distinct volumes brings constraints to the management of the personnel, who will be divided into two work teams. At the same time, it also undermines the community aspect of the project and the socialization sought.
- The comic book does not occupy a prominent place in the building and the path to access it is rather directive instead of spontaneous or intuitive.
- The proposed project respects the regulatory requirements issued by the City and the Borough.
- The building envelope is well controlled and the technical engineering proposals are good.
- The budgetary feasibility has been demonstrated with satisfaction.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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