Text description provided by the architects. The Guy- Bélisle library is a 2 600 square meter public library with a multi-propose space that services the city of Saint-Eustache, located North of Montréal, Canada. The dark mineral clad project marks the entry to the city on a picturesque tree lined riverside site.
The volumetric concept of the project is based on a simple extruded rectangular tube that is folded twice. At each end of the elevated tube, glass surfaces open fully to views of the river at the level of the abundant tree tops. The two chamber like reading areas are located at the back of the site, and are wrapped in warm wood cladding on all interior surfaces. One reading room is cantilevered 3.5 meters over the sloped river bank, reinforcing the dramatic views while providing cover for the exterior terrace. Along the main road the sculptural wood screen animates the façade from the interior, and defines the energetic young adult work space. The main entry hall is a flexible, multi-purpose space that can accommodate exhibitions, library events, and community gatherings. The wood textured precast concrete frame of the principal façade, presents the activities of library to the city, and the city to the library. The fenestration and articulation of the two side elevations is strategically minimal, placing a greater emphasis on the transparency of the front and back of the project, while organizing the interior programmatic spaces of the library.
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