MONTREAL -- The renovation of the Guy-L .-Coté Media Library Cinémathèque proved to be a significant undertaking and essential to the institution’s  mission. The renovation allows the library to continue its important work of preserving and promoting the history of cinema to film buffs.

Observing a decline in traffic, Cinémathèque contracted Inscape le Studio to reposition the Guy-L.Côté library as a destination of choice for film researchers. Located in the heart of Montreal, the library is a consulting space for film archives and books opened to researchers, students, and anyone interested in the history of cinema and its current reality. Inscape took on the challenge of creating a unique and surprising space while respecting the client's rigorous program.

"We had the desire to let the language of films guide our creative process in order to stage a place that personifies the passion of cinema and inspires visitors," said Claudia Di Gregorio, designer and founder of Inscape le Studio. "As you walk through the space, you discover the effects of light and transparency, trompe l'oeil (optical illusion), blurring, and contrasting effects."

Inscape chose a bright, warm color palette to contrast with the existing monochromatic architecture. The palette helps define the four main zones that make up the space: the reception area, the lounge area, the quiet zone, and the entertainment area.

Custom woodwork for the space was fabricated by Escouade l'atelier of La Prairie, Quebec. 

The reception area is marked by a coppery-orange mass that directs visitors to an imposing perforated steel reception counter. In the lounge area, the focal point is expressed by a set of circles.

At the back of the media center is a quiet area dedicated to viewing and consulting archives decorated in dark blue to invoke a sense of silence and calm. Two semi-enclosed viewing areas were created to promote user comfort and concentration. The shape chosen imitates that of the mattebox, a part of a camera lens. The interior of the mattebox is covered with felt for sound absorption. The other stations in the area are illuminated by custom-designed lighting fixtures designed to meet the specific needs of archival document consultation.