Even before the St. Denys-du-Plateau Church was converted into a library, it was an unusual building. Designed by the late Jean-Marie Roy in 1964, the house of worship in Quebec had a unique and dynamic volume—the building evoked a huge tent inflated by the wind.
When Dan Hanganu Architectes and Côté Leahy Cardas Architectes took on the conversion project, they wanted to respect the original building. Almost all of the original structure remains, along with two additions.
What was once the nave now contains the library's shelves and work areas, while the new addition houses the administrative offices and community hall. This separation allows for the community hall to be open even when the library is closed, according to Dezeen.
Preserving the structure's existing volume was paramount for the architects, and they did this without closing off the spacious nave. In addition, "to accentuate the fluidity of this volume, the solid soffit above the window has been replaced by glass panel which allows each beam to visually slip seamlessly to its exterior steel base—a revelation of visual continuity," the firms said in a press release.
The new community hall and offices are contained in the larger of the two additions, which replaces the former presbytery. However, the new part of the building reserves the same footprint. Three different types of glass panels were used to construct this area: clear, silk-screened and colored. The second addition satisfies a requirement for an emergency escape staircase, and is also paneled with colored glass.
The firms sum up this design: "Building on transparency and reflection, the architects have made a strong statement with color at the ends of the building, an allusion to the vibrant, bold colors of the 1960s, which contrast the whiteness and brilliance newly captured in the remarkable form of the original church."
Now the Monique-Corriveau Library, the facility is named for a successful local children's author.
Take a look at the finished conversion below. All photos by Stéphane Groleau.
Related Stories
BIM and Information Technology | Jun 21, 2015
11 tips for mastering 3D printing in the AEC world
Early adopters provide first-hand advice on the trials and tribulations of marrying 3D printing with the science of building technology.
Events Facilities | Jun 19, 2015
4 ways convention centers are revamping for the 21st century
Today's convention centers require more flexible spaces, the ability to blend virtual and in-person events, and meaningful sustainability, writes Skanska's Tom Tingle.
Engineers | Jun 18, 2015
Architecture and engineering profit margins deliver third consecutive year of growth
Operating profits of AE firms have reach their highest level since 2009, according to a new report by PSMJ Resources.
Architects | Jun 17, 2015
Starchitects' napkin sketches raise thousands for San Diego’s AIAS chapter
Prominent architects who submitted a total of 23 napkin doodles were Zaha Hadid, Cesar Pelli, Robert Venturi, Massimiliano Fuksas, Thom Mayne, and Bjarke Ingels.
BIM and Information Technology | Jun 16, 2015
What’s next for 3D printing in design and construction?
The 3D printer industry keeps making strides in technology and affordability. Machines can now print with all sorts of powderized materials, from concrete to chocolate.
Office Buildings | Jun 12, 2015
Houston's energy sector keeps office construction humming
Colliers International projects continued expansion this year in its quarterly report on national office market.
Smart Buildings | Jun 11, 2015
Google launches company to improve city living
The search engine giant is yet again diversifying its products. Google has co-created a startup, called Sidewalk Labs, that will focus on “developing innovative technologies to improve cities.”
Office Buildings | Jun 11, 2015
Pop-up tree-office opens in London borough of Hackney
London's Hackney borough welcomed a new kind of workspace to Hoxton Square—the TreexOffice.
Cultural Facilities | Jun 10, 2015
Artists turn oil tankers into architecture
Four Dutch artists propose transforming tankers into monuments with mixed-use space.
Office Buildings | Jun 9, 2015
Bjarke Ingels unveils stepped design for final WTC tower
The towering "staircase" will rise from St. Paul’s chapel to the skyline, leaning against One World Trade Center.
