spatial envelopes
Above, the almost completely white librar y is filled with light. Accessible through a sculptural white spiral staircase, it embraces the generous spatiality of the original church, including carefully restored elements from previous transformations that highlight the place’s rich social and spatial histor y. Preser ved original features like the ogive windows and the ceiling’s moldings blend harmoniously with the contemporar y furniture. A permanent exhibition on the theme of freedom in Québec literature had to cover the whole temple area, rather than being confined to a single room. The architects carefully conceived and integrated this immersive exhibition promenade with a variety of other programmatic uses on the three levels of the Maison de la littérature. For more information, visit www.chevaliermorales.com. ■
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