The renovation and expansion project of the Gabrielle-Roy Library marks a turning point for the Saint-Roch neighborhood in Quebec City, experiencing a cultural and economic boom. Located at the heart of this district characterized by its social diversity and mix, the library becomes a major cultural hub for it.
The architectural design of the library distributes meeting and socialization spaces across all levels to inhabit and animate all layers of the building. The connection with the city is the cornerstone of the project. An intimate connection is created between the city and the library. On the ground floor, a generous forecourt gives the library an undeniably urban character. Furthermore, the physical and visual continuity ensured with the neighboring public square multiplies opportunities for exchange and activation between the library and its neighborhood.
On the ground floor, the youth, civic life, and culinary hubs create a true interior public square. On levels 01 and 03, where collection and animation spaces with various themes can be found, a screen-printed glass envelope with a diaphanous appearance ensures an environment conducive to learning and concentration. On level 02, creation and dissemination spaces create a second public layer open to the city. Finally, a terrace integrating a garden on level 03 pursues and enriches this urban dynamic throughout the library.
From St-Joseph street, access to the library is direct and intuitive due to the openness and transparency of the envelope. In the basement, where a public tunnel provides access to BGR from the parking area, users are invited to enter the library through a winter garden. This pivotal space also marks the entrance to the administration sector, where it brings natural light and enhances employee experience by offering a place for relaxation and contemplation. From this space, users then move to the library’s reception area located on the ground floor.
Once past the control and reception, visitors are naturally guided to the heart of the library, where a zenithal light emerges. It is from this circular atrium that the main circulation network of the library unfolds. From floor to floor, angular stairs of various orientations project into the space.
Micheline Beauchemin’s work entitled “There seems to be like a rain of gold” is preserved and highlighted at the heart of the atrium. A striking work by a renowned Quebec artist, the imposing sculpture harmonizes in its transparency and brilliance with the luminous interiors.
