As a new cornerstone in the cultural evolution of Laval, the new Central Library and Cultural Centre for Laval (ICCV) is establishing itself as a significant civic landmark. Benefiting from its prime location between university campuses, and directly across from the main public transportation hub, the ICCV emerges as the cultural epicenter of the city. Its architectural design engages in a compelling dialogue with the urban fabric, employing a spatial transparency strategy that highlights the venue’s extensive cultural offerings. Its street-facing façades provide cohesive, open views, fostering an inviting atmosphere, encouraging inclusive and participatory civic engagement. The building stands as both a symbol and a focal point for the city’s cultural ecosystem, linking diverse artistic expressions, institutions, and communities in a seamless flow.
Centered on the strategic vision of «Laval 2035,» the ICCV positions itself as an architecturally landscaped indoor-outdoor space. The concept of the project stands out for its clarity and visual organization, highlighting the program’s main elements through a unique geometry and materiality. Shaped like large wooden drums, the architecture guides users through a memorable interior landscape promenade, offering a wide variety of adaptable spaces. These grand, timber-clad monoliths embody the dual identity of the institution, with concave volumes for the library and convex drums for the cultural center, creating spaces conducive to informal gatherings.
By accommodating 15 artistic organizations, the new facility will become a dynamic core of creativity in Laval. It will unite a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including media, digital, and visual arts, cinema, dance, literature, music, heritage, and theater. This convergence will foster the organization of multidisciplinary events, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and enable the sharing of resources and services. Both the artistic community and the broader Laval population will benefit from enhanced cultural engagement and creative collaboration.
