Concordia University's new Webster Library in Montreal

After 5 years of work, the inauguration of the new Webster Library at Concordia University took place on March 23rd with the participation of Hélène David, Minister responsible for Higher Education and Minister for the Status of Women, and Mr. François William Croteau, Borough Mayor of Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie, member of the Executive Committee and responsible for the Smart City, Information Technology and Innovation. The event was chaired by Guylaine Beaudry, Vice-provost of Digital Strategy and Chief Librarian, Graham Carr, Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs, and Alan Shepard, President and Vice-chancellor of Concordia University.

Architect: Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes
Client: Concordia University
Location: Montréal, Canada
Completion: 2017
Area: 16,550 sqm
Partner-in-charge: Yves Dagenais
Principal co-designers: Jean-Pierre LeTourneux and Paolo Zasso
Project Manager: Audrey Archambault
Team: Luc Doucet, Marie-Ève Éthier-Chiasson, Marco Goyette, Francis Huneault, Claudio Nunez, Nils Rabota, Guy Rousseau.
Structural: Groupe EGP
Mechanical-electrical: Bouthillette Parizeau et Associés
Signage: Atelier Intégral Jean Beaudoin
Acoustician: Davidson et associés inc.
General contractor: Pomerleau
Photographer: Adrien Williams

Project description: Designed and realized by Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes, this major expansion and renovation project aimed to create a landmark on campus, a central location to boldly integrate digital technologies and anticipate changes inherent to the next generations of libraries. The main challenges were concerned with the redeployment and optimization of existing spaces to increase the seating capacity from 1,500 to 3,300 seats, the redefinition of service areas [counters, offices, consultation] and use [reading areas, collaborative work], the maximization of stack space for books and the enhancement of the digital collection. 

The conceptual approach developed by the architects produced a clear strategy regarding the organization of the collections and users’ circulation routes. Playing on the theme of anamorphosis, the project proposes a complex network of lines and color swatches which challenge the user’s perception and suggest that learning and knowledge are constructed from an individual point of view. The new library is a reflection of evolving knowledge and active learning as a new way of sharing knowledge.

Thus, the pavilion housing the library is polychromatic and marked by the use of multiple grids of finishes. The main finishes consist of black (stack spaces) and white (individual workspaces) which clearly differentiate and distinguish the premises in the new library. A skillful variation of secondary colors indicates the transition between the four floors of the project.

Strategically located at the edge of the stairs, the loan counter and the “Ask Us” reference area identify their presence as a first point of service. Further on, no-noise zones, quiet areas, solo and collaborative work spaces are efficiently identified, and planned to modulate levels of silence depending on their location.

The program elements (loans and information counters, etc.) are small volumes of wood, sometimes covered with metal inserts, sometimes connected by a white, triangulated ceiling element.

Designed to meet the needs of everyone, each area of the Webster Library benefits from improved visibility while affirming its own identity.

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