Glcrm Architects Inc.

Gabrielle-Roy Library

Gabrielle-Roy Library 

GLCRM architectes, 
Saucier + Perrotte architects

Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin

LEAD TEAM
Gilles Saucier, Marc Letellier

GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Ronam constructions inc.

MECHANICAL CONSULTANTS
Bouthillette Parizeau

STRUCTURAL CONSULTANTS
EMS

DESIGN TEAM
Dominique Dumais, André Perrotte, Gabriel Légaré-Bisaillon, Patrice Bégin, Christophe Lafleur-Chartier, Tristan Leahy, Michaël Barret, Rebecca Taylor

TECHNICAL TEAM
Simon Brochu, François Bécotte, François Paradis, Annie Malouin, Christian Potvin-Gingras, Jocelyn Martel, Raphaël Hamelin, Mélissa Allard, Frédéric Asselin

MANUFACTURERS
Interface, Artemide, Axis, Fitzfelt

PHOTOGRAPHS
Olivier Blouin

AREA
10456 m²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Quebec City, Canada

CATEGORY
Library

Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin

English description provided by the architects.

Our proposal for the extension and renovation of Gabrielle-Roy Library aims to spread the public functions throughout the building in order to inhabit its different strata.

On each floor, both in the existing building and its extension, a new interface with the collections and the city is proposed.

Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin

The experience of the library becomes a rich path oscillating between projection and introversion.

Located in the heart of a vibrant cultural and economic district, the Saint-Roch neighborhood, Gabrielle-Roy Library is home to a diverse and dynamic community of users which has drastically increased during the past years.

Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin

Taking this unique reality into account, the connection to the neighborhood becomes a fundamental aspect of this project.

This connection is reinforced by important urban and architectural gestures that will benefit both the institution and the surrounding community.

Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin

On the ground floor, a generous outdoor space gives the library an undeniably urban character.

In addition, the physical and visual continuity that is ensured with the adjacent public space increases the opportunities for exchange between the library and its neighborhood.

Considered as a whole, the public space and the library's ground floor constitute a rich urban environment for both visitors and the local community.

Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin

On the ground floor, users will access various public functions (such as the reception, a kitchen for culinary workshops, and a small amphitheater) and collections dedicated to children and civic life (including newspapers and periodicals).

The ground floor is dedicated to urban life, community activities, and families. 

Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin

Alternately, levels 01 and 03 are more focused on reading and learning.

Collections related to literature, history, philosophy, geography, science, and technology are distributed around the atrium to maximize the inflow of natural light and to provide uplifting views for users.

On these levels, a fritted glass envelope creates a diaphanous screen that filters sunlight and ensures an environment that is conducive to learning.

Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin

Just like the ground floor, level 02 has a public character reinforced by its clear glass envelope and distinctive mesh ceiling.

The collections located on this level focus mainly on music, cinema, arts, and travel.

Alongside the main amphitheater, users will have access to a music studio and several practice rooms, a projection room, a fab lab and an arts workshop.

Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin
Gabrielle-Roy Library
© Olivier Blouin

This rich program will allow the library to move from a quiet repository of books to becoming a real social hub, a true 'third place' adapted to its diverse and constantly changing community.


Gabrielle-Roy Library
Side Elevation 01
Gabrielle-Roy Library
Side Elevation 02
Gabrielle-Roy Library
Front Elevation
Gabrielle-Roy Library
Back Elevation


Gabrielle-Roy Library
Plan - Level 01
Gabrielle-Roy Library
Plan - Level 03
Gabrielle-Roy Library
Plan - Level 04
Gabrielle-Roy Library
Plan - Site


Gabrielle-Roy Library
Schematic 01
Gabrielle-Roy Library
Schematic 02
Gabrielle-Roy Library
Schematic 03
Gabrielle-Roy Library
Schematic 04
Gabrielle-Roy Library
Sketch 03

Glcrm Architects Inc.
T +1 418 647 1700 F +1 418 64711758
Glcrm Architects Inc.
2406 chemin des Quatre-Bourgeois, bur. 100,Canada
Saucier+Perrotte Architectes
T +1 514 2731700 F +1 514 2733501
Saucier+Perrotte Architectes
7043 Rue Waverly, Montréal H2S 3J1, Canada