dan hanganu + CLC architectes convert church for monique-corriveau library in québec

dan hanganu + CLC architectes convert church for monique-corriveau library in québec
photo by stéphane groleau

the canadian offices of dan hanganu architectes and CLC architectes have teamed up to complete the monique-corriveau library, which involved an addition to and conversion of the st-denys-du-plateau church in québec city. the existing structure, built in 1964 and designed by the late jean-marie roy, is a landmark example of modernism in the region, featuring a tent-like form housing a dramatic nave space. the adaptive reuse efforts involved the extension of rectangular glass building volumes from the centrally located original hall.

rectangular glass volumes protrude from the existing church’s tent-like form
photo by stéphane groleau

the building is a tribute to the québec writer monique corriveau, the author of numerous children’s books and winner of several literary awards. the existing nave contains the library’s public spaces, including book stacks and reading/work areas, while the new construction elements house the facility’s community hall and administrative program. this arrangement allows the community hall to remain open outside of the library’s hours, while fully preserving the former-church’s monumental volume.

photo by stéphane groleau

the building additions continues the stark-white material treatment of the church, while integrating vibrantly colored glass, staircases, and floor surfaces in specific places. bands of windows outline the triangular profile of the nave’s ends as well as its high roof peak.

the three-story building addition is sunk into the ground one level
photo by stéphane groleau

photo by stéphane groleau

the conversion maintains the spatial openness through the high nave space
photo by stéphane groleau

the existing nave is used for the library’s book stacks and reading areas
photo by stéphane groleau

a vibrantly colored spiral staircase accesses an upper level reading area
photo by stéphane groleau

a band of windows outline the triangular profile of the church’s front façade
photo by stéphane groleau

photo by stéphane groleau

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project info:

location: québec (qc), canada
date of completion: autumn 2013
size: 4400 sqm (3 levels)
cost: $14.7 millions
client: ville de québec, arrondissement sainte-foy – sillery – cap-rouge
architecture: dan hanganu + côté leahy cardas architects
architect of the church saint-denys-du-plateau (1964): jean-marie roy
architect in charge: jacques côté, sébastien laberge
design team: dan s. hanganu, gilles prud’homme, diana cardas, sébastien laberge
team: pascal gobeil, martin girard, marie-andrée goyette (CLC), olivier grenier, martine walsh, anne-catherine richard, marc despaties (DHA)
civil, structural, MEP engineering: BPR
acoustician: audiofax
contractor: pomerleau
artists: claudie gagnon, ‘réseaux ou la forêt des connaissances’
photography: stéphane groleau