Combining functionality and aesthetics

  • Client

    Government of Quebec
  • Location

    475 Boul. de Maisonneuve E, Montréal, QC H2L 5C4, Canada
  • Year

    2005
  • Collaboration

    Patkau, Croft Pelletier*, Menkès Shooner Dagenais architectes associés, in consortium (*now Lemay)
  • Discipline(s)

Combining functionality and aesthetics

Designing the most important cultural institution in the province of Quebec was not only a privilege, but also an incredible opportunity to re create an iconic building in the urban landscape of Montreal. With over 2.5 million visitors per year, the Quebec National Library is both a center of knowledge and a cultural focal point. Integrating an exhibition space, an auditorium, a conference center, meeting rooms, and bookstores, it is among the largest public libraries in the French-speaking world. Combining functionality and aesthetics, the library perfectly balances Quebec’s rich history, identity and literature in a refined architectural presence designed to represent the communities it serves.

 

Awards and mentions

2014
Finalist
Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize (IIT)
2010
Medal Recipient
Governor General’s Medal in Architecture
2007
Award Recipient
AIA/ALA Library Buildings Award