Vincent-Warren dance Library

2017

The École supérieure de ballet du Québec sought to expand and completely redesign its library space, which had previously been confined to a small windowless room. As the Vincent-Warren Library is the most important dance library in the country, the school wished to create a space worthy of its significance—an airy and welcoming environment for the school’s students.

Project information

Interior reconfiguration only

Limited mechanical interventions

General contractor

Adhoc construction

Constructin duration

4 months

Construction Costs

115 000$

By reclaiming the former administrative offices, which had recently been relocated, the library’s floor area more than tripled. As with any project, we had to work within several constraints, including a very limited budget and the fact that the building housing the dance school was originally a parking garage. These constraints, however, became opportunities: the former concrete access ramp was transformed into stepped seating, quickly becoming a favorite gathering spot for students.

Several distinct areas were also created, including a meeting room, work tables, a reception desk, and a multimedia workspace. Another section was designed with comfortable lounge chairs for reading, but can easily be reconfigured to host presentations or lectures.