ANNE CARRIER ARCHITECTURE
THE INSPIRATION
The project was slated to be built exactly where once stood Marieville ’ s former library , which had to be demolished in 2012 . The future building ’ s elongated volume was determined by the narrowness of the site , and the presence of a protected archeological area . Nearby features , such as the park , several heritage buildings dotting the main street , a nearby spring , and the church ’ s parvis were all taken into account as the concept evolved .
A diagonal line was introduced on the ground floor of the library , as a reminder of the main street ’ s path . This break in the volume not only facilitates visual connections between the library and the site ’ s notable features but allows for a small triangular plaza , located off the library entrance .
For book lovers and students coming from a nearby school , the church will act as a visual reference guiding their steps towards the main door . Inside , a sculptural staircase will adorn the threelevel high lobby , as a reminder of the grain silos still predominant in this rural region .
THE CONCEPT
In their competition entry , the architects opted for transparency and openness , particularly on the west façade facing the park . Services will be kept along the building ’ s east façade so that all common spaces will enjoy a direct connection with the park lush environment .
The proposed library consists of two three-level volumes linked by an elevator , a sculptural staircase , and two upper walkways . From the central lobby , open to all three floors , one will be able to visualize the entire building and fully grasp the presence of the church , the park , and the town ’ s main street , running parallel to the river .
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