Dome

Interior, large windows in light well and study area, main reading room; Located in the centre of a Renaissance-inspired plan designed by Jesuits in 1637, the Trait-Carré represents one of Quebec City’s four historic districts and one of the first examples in North America of a planned community. The library expansion is part of a general neighborhood revitalization plan (competition held 2003) for the Trait-Carré, and involves the construction of a 35,000-square-foot addition to the public library adjacent to the historic Saint-Charles-Borromée Church (built 1826). Sited to create a paved courtyard between it and the historic library (the Marist College, 1904), the new building is entered on the second level at the internal corner of the L-shaped plan. The larger arm of the L contains the main book stacks, and the smaller arm administrative components. Sloping up from south to north, a green roof covers the main library while the smaller wing rises above the grass-covered roof plane. Source: Ma municipalité efficace [website for Quebec buildings]; http://www.mamunicipaliteefficace.ca/ (accessed 4/21/2014)