BIM Architecture: Renovating Traditional Churches at Monique Corivo Library

Canadian studios Dan Hanganu Architects and Côté Leahy Cardas have collaborated to restore an old church in Quebec by adding a tent-like structure. This transformation has turned the building into a unique space featuring modern elements, vibrant colors, spiral staircases, and soaring roofs.

The church was originally designed by Jean Marie Roy in 1964, featuring a towering spire that rises dramatically against the horizon. Dan Hanganu Architects and Côté Leahy Cardas preserved this iconic element while introducing a modern curtain wall structure on one side.

Renamed in honor of local writer Monique Correveau, the restored church now serves as a public library and community center. It features staggered spaces on the first floor and a spacious basement.

Visitors enter through a large traditional church atrium that leads to a platform, reading area, and study rooms, blending historic charm with functional modern spaces.

The largest expansion involved demolishing the former Elder District, which has been converted into staff offices and community meeting rooms.

The designers highlighted the benefits of separating functional areas: when the library is closed, the community meeting room remains unaffected and accessible. This layout also preserves the commemorative central hall. A new front extension houses a fire staircase, clad in glass matching the existing color palette, maintaining a clean and cohesive architectural style.

Project Drawings

▲ Basement Floor Plan

▲ Ground Floor Plan

▲ Upper Floor Plan

▲ Section View

▲ Node Diagram

Project Information

Project Type: Library

Location: Quebec, Canada

Architectural Design: Côté Leahy Cardas Architects, Dan Hanganu

Area: 4,400 m²

Year: 2013

Photographer: Stéphane Groleau

Manufacturers: Prevost, MULTIVER

Chief Architects: Jacques Côté, Sébastien Laberge

Design Team: Dan S. Hanganu, Gilles Prud’homme, Diana Cardas, Sébastien Laberge

Team Members: Pascal Gobeil, Martin Girard, Marie-Andrée Goyette (CLC), Olivier Grenier, Martine Walsh, Anne-Catherine Richard, Marc Despaties (DHA)

Structural Engineer: BPR

Equipment Engineer: BPR

Acoustic Engineer: Audiofax

Contractor: Pomerleau

Claudie Gagnon, “Networks or the Forest of Knowledge”

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