Chevalier Morales

As a finalist in the competition launched by the Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, Chevalier Morales stands out for the finesse of its architectural signature. By giving the building a texture that reflects the neighbourhood, its residents, and its history, the firm promises to deliver a project with which citizens can truly identify.

The proposal reflects the evolving role of libraries as institutions that bring together diverse cultural functions. Designed as a space for both relaxation and community engagement, the Centre aims to enhance the intellectual and social well-being of its citizens.

Seeking to anchor itself within the borough’s urban fabric and support the spirit of community fostered in the Benny Farm sector, the volumetric and spatial design of the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Centre establishes it as a local landmark. The interior spaces create a rhythmic interplay between intimacy and grandeur, offering fertile ground for diverse experiences through varied dimensions, natural lighting, and degrees of transparency.

The building's innovative exterior envelope is tinted in a red reminiscent of traditional neighbourhood materials, while crystallizing the modern essence of the residential area. Green roofs, sunken building volumes, suspended landscapes, and pleated surfaces come together to form a landscape architecture that elevates the project's organic quality.

From a sustainability standpoint, the design thoughtfully integrates sunlight, views, prevailing winds, natural ventilation, and strategic fenestration to guide the spatial layout.