The Bibliothèque du Boisé, designed by the consortium Eric Pelletier, Cardinal Hardy – two firms that joined Lemay in 2013 and 2014 respectively – and Labonté Marcil architects, has won the Grand Prix of Excellence of the Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ) 2015.

Rewarding the Bibliothèque du Boisé appeared to be obvious for all members of the jury: “This is a very successful project that includes indoor and outdoor public spaces. Far for being a simple assemblage, every space and every square meter is beautiful, from volume to perspectives, from ceiling details to materials and furniture. Tremendous work has been performed to translate this excellence inside out. The building is uniquely built into the site it takes to grips with the landscape. His sculptural silhouette is elegant, thanks to its wave wood. “

The Bibliothèque du Boisé aims to become a place fostering a feeling of belonging, promoting exploration and discovery. Located between Thimens Boulevard and the Marcel-Laurin Park, it covers a surface area of 5,000 m² and is integrated into the site by drawing on its major elements. This isn’t a project about architecture alone: it’s also about landscape. As such, this certified LEED Platinum building connects the city with the surrounding landscape, and serves as a point of connection that allows users to explore its site—inside and outside, from Boulevard Thimens as well as from the park. Visitors will discover the building by approaching it from a variety of spaces both intimate and dramatic, spaces that, by offering a variety of access pathways, set the stage for the site as well as for its users

In this project, architecture is landscape and landscape is architecture. The architecture changes shape, unfolds, spreads out and rises up, reducing the boundaries between the built space and the site. There are several means of access to the building – all of which encourage interaction and discovery. Therefore, the library is not an architectural gesture, but rather an act of communication and exchange. It gives to the collectivity the opportunity to get together and know each other.  

Far from a monumental approach, the library is integrated into a natural and urban context, it adds richness to the site, helps to define the space and offers a simple and universal reading. True reflection of the human condition, of the fate of a changing landscape, of its architecture, the Bibliothèque du Boisé created a significant identity hub as well as a rich, dynamic and open space where boundaries are redefined to foster discovery, learning, and a sense of belonging for the entire community.  

About Lemay

Founded in 1957 as an architectural firm, Lemay is one of Canada’s leading integrated environmental design firms, combining architecture, urban design, interior design, landscape architecture, structural engineering and branding into a multidisciplinary and synergetic offer. Now well established in Canada, United States, China, Algeria, Costa Rica, in the Caribbean and the Middle-East, Lemay brings together nearly 350 professionals who offer their creativity to support their clients’ business strategies.

Recognized by Deloitte as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies, Lemay is also a leader among integrated design firms. Lemay—one of Canada’s most-awarded firms—creates distinctive projects of all scales and complexities. In recent years, Lemay has been the driving force behind several landmark projects that have garnered attention here and abroad, most notably the New City of El-Menia in Algeria, the STM Stinson transport centre, the Place d’Armes, the Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, the Mount Stephen Hotel Complex, the Astral Head Office and the Centre Bell (in consortium).

Technical Sheet

TYPE OF PROJECT

Institutional public building

LOCATION 

2727 Thimens Boulevard, Saint-Laurent, Montréal

COMMISSIONED

July 6, 2013

CLIENT 

City of Montréal, St-Laurent Borough

     Marie-Claude Le Sauteur

ARCHITECTS

Cardinal Hardy | Labonté Marcil | Eric Pelletier architecte in consortium 

     Claude Jean, architect, project manager 

     Jean Marcil, architect, partner in charge 

     Eric Pelletier, architect, lead designer 

     Pierre Labonté, architect  

     Amélie Turgeon, architect

     Annie Martineau, architect

     Bao Nguyen, landscape architect

     Denis Clermont, architect

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER 

SDK et associés inc. 

     Hélène Brisebois, engineer 

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEER 

Leroux Beaudoin Hurens et associés inc. (now known as « Beaudoin Hurens »)

     Benoit Lemire, engineer, project manager 

ELEVATOR SPECIALIST

MCI Consultants inc. 

      Ronald Méthé

ACOUSTIC SPECIALIST

Davidson & Associés inc. 

     Steve Davidson, ingénieur  

     Jean-Pierre Legault, consultant en acoustique

LEED SPECIALIST

EXP 

     Jean-François Lepage, PA LEED 

     Karine St-Germain, engineer

     Louis-Réjean Gagné, architect

     Josée Boutin, technician in architecture

CONTRACTOR

Pomerleau

AREA

5960 m², including 4286 m² for the library

FLOORS

2 levels + 1 underground

CAPACITY

140 000 documents

PROGRAM

library and all its services, Lethbridge exhibition hall and museum archives for the Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec.

MAIN MATERIALS

Wood (interior siding), zinc (exterior siding) and stone (exterior siding)

CERTIFICATION

LEED NC Platinum

COST

Approximately $20 million CA

Other distinctions : 
 

2010 | Award of Excellence | Canadian Architect

2013 | Steel Design Award of Excellence, category Commercial – Institutional Projects, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction

2013 | Steel Design Award of Excellence, category Jury Favorite Project, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction

2013 | Steel Design Award of Excellence, category Green Building,  Canadian Institute of Steel Construction

2013 | Project of the Year Award, PMI-Montréal élixir Gala

2014 | Finalist, Excellence Award, category People’s Choice , Centre d’expertise sur la construction commerciale en bois

2014| Canadian Green Building Award , Canada Green Building Council

2014 | Award for Project Excellence, Project Management Institute (PMI)

2014 | International VMZinc Award, category Sustainable Building, VMZINC

2015 | Certification LEED-NC 1.0 – Platinum, Canada Green Building Council

2015 | Best of Canada, category Institutional, Canadian Interiors

2015 | Finalist, Awards of Excellence, category Institutional and Public Buildings, Ordre des architectes du Québec

2015 | Grand Award of Excellence, Ordre des architectes du Québec

2015 | Grand Prix du design, category Library, Intérieurs Magazine | Agence PID