What once was the Saint-Denys-du-Plateau church in Quebec has now become the Monique-Corriveau Library with the help of Dan Hanganu and Côté Leahy Cardas Architects. The church, built in 1964, was designed by the late architect Jean-Marie Roy and was considered a prime example of Quebec’s modern architecture heritage.
The unusual building looks to be a massive tent that’s been inflated by the passing wind. Keeping its unique design sensibility was important during the process of converting and expanding it and they managed to do just that.
The addition houses the administration offices and community hall, which can be kept open later even if the library is closed.
The nave of the church became the public areas of the library and it’s where they brought in shelves, and work/reading areas for the patrons.
A majority of the interior is kept white with bold yellow accents used throughout. They also brought in a lot of glass elements helping to keep the space visually light.
Light trickles in from the various windows and skylights that are strategically placed throughout the building.
Photos by Stéphane Groleau, courtesy of v2com.net.
