Saint-Sulpice Library - Finalist

Text extracted from the teams's proposal (originally in French) :

“ Our aim is to highlight the elegant rigor of architect Eugène Payette's work, in the effervescent, multicolored, heterogeneous and informal setting of rue St-Denis. Taking into account the particularities of the surroundings, we propose an enlarged space, from the PARVIS of the library to the adjoining party walls, as well as the south side alley towards the group entrance and the garden: L'ESPACE SAINT-SULPICE. The three segments of the Espace Saint-Sulpice _ the Parvis, the Building and the Garden _ complement each other, following an axis of symmetry, to create a cultural focal point for the Latin Quarter's teenagers, citizens, students and passers-by, and to demonstrate the strong presence of this library-laboratory.

Inside, a new axial pathway, based on the original symmetry, organizes the building's plan and cross-section. Already in the lobby, interactive showcases announce the technological uses associated with FAIRE, highlighting the uses that give the place its identity: the Fablab and Médialab will energize the overall organization and will be perceived and accessible by all visitors, from the moment they enter the main lobby.

Based on the intrinsic logic of the original classical composition, an event gallery extends the central opening, under the main staircase, towards the most dynamic uses of the library-laboratory. This main gallery on the first floor is superimposed on the collaborative gallery, which links the group hall in the basement to the meeting rooms, FabLab and MediaLab, and culminates in the communal relaxation area opening onto the rear courtyard. This path highlights the project's great horizontal and vertical transparencies. It defines the new Agora of creation, making and exchange.

Three major assemblies, based on the original tripartite composition and following the principles of classical composition - the plinth, main body and crown - give this library-laboratory its unique, even spectacular character, while allowing for a variety of appropriations.”