Archetech Issue 21 2015 | Page 26

Photo credit: Chevalier Morales Architectes Saul-Bellow Library Following anarchitectural competition Imagining the future Archetech - Page 26 in 2011, the firm Chevalier Morales Imagining possible futures allowed to propose solutions and to place certain Architectes received the mandate to Chevalier Morales Architectes imagined program functions that, in the long term, expand, redesign and bring to compliance what the library and its neighbourhood would reduce costs and environmental the old Lachine borough library, dating could become, in 20 years, if the impacts while avoiding a decrease in back to 1974. This neighbourhood library densification, greening and transportation the library’s spaces quality. For example, not meeting user and employee needs improvement principles mentioned light inlets were strategically positioned anymore, the architects Stephan Chevalier in the urban plan were achieved and to take into account a foreseen potential and Sergio Morales made this location a implemented. What would happen to expansion. A development integrating 21stcentury library: attractive, luminous the library, its parking lot and Patterson a long term vision brings added and stimulating conversation. The project Park? The firm tried to contribute to thoroughness and relevance to the aimed for a LEED certification as well as to the enrichment of these principles by proposed design. The design approach be an example of sustainable development proposing possible solutions for the year seeks to be global and evolutionary; it principles. 2031. proposes paths to address real societal issues instead of lingering on immediate