Montréal, February 15, 2010 – This past December, the four finalist firms in the competition to design the new Marc-Favreau Library submitted projects of high quality that complied with the core development requirements: family aspect, integration of new information technologies, importance of design, and concern for sustainable development.
After deliberating, members of the jury unanimously chose the project submitted by the firm Dan Hanganu Architects, citing, among other reasons, the firm’s modern approach to the image of a new generation of libraries.
The winning submission also stood out for the following reasons:
- The design quality is a perfect fit with Montréal’s status as a UNESCO City of Design.
- With regard to the building’s façade, the jury appreciated the way the transparent central volume framed by two masses of masonry (including the existing building at 700 Boulevard Rosemont) blends with the new section dubbed “Le Coffre,” which will house the main stacks. The central area, called “La Lanterne,” becomes an avant-garde window open to the outside. The whole seems to be borne by the image of Sol (the character famously portrayed by the late Marc Favreau), ubiquitous on the imposing column in the forecourt.
- The project is well suited to the street grid and the site. The fluidity of the spaces provides “breathing room” for Parc Luc-Durand, in the rear, which will be surrounded by several other new buildings.
- Inside, the jury liked the amply lit spaces, the generous opening of the library onto the forecourt, the way the reading rooms face the green spaces outside, and the pride of place given to the multipurpose room and multimedia room, strategically sited behind glass in La Lanterne so that passersby cannot fail to notice the activity within.
- Also notable are the multigenerational aspect of the design, and a number of elements borrowed from nature, such as wood elements and a living wall, evoking Mr. Favreau’s interest in the family, ecology and sustainable development.
The other three finalists were:
- Les architectes Corriveau Girard + Éric Pelletier
- Les architectes FABG
- Manon Asselin + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes
The architecture competition
The province-wide competition was launched in July 2009. In September, after reviewing submissions from around 20 firms, the jury selected four finalists to advance to the concept development and drawings stage.
The Marc-Favreau Library
The new Marc-Favreau Library is to be built on the site of the former Rosemont municipal yards, and will incorporate part of the existing building at 700 Boulevard Rosemont.
The project is just one part of an extensive project to redevelop the site, which includes several residential buildings. The Bellechasse site, immediately west of the former yards, is also the subject of a planning project that will transform the urban fabric of this important black.
Project cost
- $17.1 million (construction, professional fees, architecture competition, primary facilities and collections)
- Origin of funding: Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine (40%), Ville de Montréal (40%), Borough of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie (20%)
Next steps
- Start of work on plans and specifications: Spring 2010
- Start of construction: Spring 2011
- Opening: 2012
A major addition for the borough
The Ville de Montréal has implemented a plan to develop its public library network. The Marc-Favreau Library will be a remarkable addition to Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough, given that facilities are currently lacking in this area. It will promote better access to knowledge and culture for all citizens.
As part of the Agreement on the Cultural Development of Montréal, this project is receiving financial support from the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine, the Ville de Montréal and the borough.
(Source: Ville de Montréal – 02/15/10)
