Formica Canada Contributes to the Redevelopment of the Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Library: an innovative space designed to inspire the next generation

Formica Canada, whose plant is located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, is proud to have contributed to this innovative project with a major donation of products entirely manufactured locally. Let's take a closer look behind-the-scenes of this remarkable transformation.

Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu entrusted the Archi- team with the complete renovation of its library, with the goal of repositioning it as a pivotal space that supports student success.

The vision was to create a 'third place', a hybrid environment that blends the best elements of a traditional library with those of a dynamic, collaborative workspace where students can work independently, collaborate in groups or simply relax and unwind. The challenge was to design functional areas that met these needs, all while navigating the constraints of the existing building and incorporating sustainable and aesthetically pleasing materials.

The library was strategically divided into two main areas across two levels. The ground floor is dedicated to quiet reading areas, small group workrooms and the library's collection of books and resources. For its part, the basement is home to spaces dedicated to more dynamic activities such as a computer lab, media lab, e-sports room and recreational area. This clever layout effectively separates quieter, high-focus activities from noisier activities while optimizing the flow of natural light throughout the space.
In addition, an old, unused staircase was repurposed and turned into a display for periodicals, adding new functionality to the space.

Since modernizing the space was one of the goals of this project, it was very important for the Archi- team to choose the right materials. The selected materials had to be not only aesthetically pleasing, but also resistant and durable, so that they could stand up well to high traffic and heavy use. Formica® Laminates and FENIX® innovative materials proved to be excellent choices for this project.

“Formica Canada is proud to have contributed to this important redevelopment project at Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu by providing high-quality, durable materials, all manufactured locally,” says Christelle Locat-Rainville, Marketing Manager at Formica Canada.

Formica® laminate in White (949) was used for the built-in furniture, particularly for the individual work areas. Formica® Laminate in White and gloss texture (949-90) was used to create writable surfaces, ideal for the work rooms. As for FENIX^® innovative materials, they were chosen in the Blu Fes (J0754) colour for their ultra-matte surface and durable appearance for the workstations and decorative elements such as the sculptural table in the rotunda and the counters.

Everform® Solid Surface was used for the main reception desk and provides pleasing aesthetics and functional benefits. Using colours such as bright blue to define the different areas in the basement and natural wood tones helped to enhance the project's calm and welcoming atmosphere. The use of wood and the inclusion of biophilic elements combine perfectly with Formica® laminates and FENIX® innovative materials to add a warm touch to the space. 

Cégep students greatly appreciate the new library. They like its modern, welcoming feel, the quality of the workspaces and the fact that the library has spaces to suit every need, from independent study to group work and relaxation.
​“Each space has been carefully designed to encourage study and collaboration and reflects our shared commitment to creating an environment that's not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but is also a haven of peace and inspiration for the student community,” says Suzie Roy, Teaching Resources and Techniques Coordinator at Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

Thanks to an innovative approach, a judicious choice of materials and careful attention to user comfort, the library is now a real living space for students, where everyone can flourish, study and collaborate. This successful project highlights the importance of rethinking space as a lever for success and well-being.

 
Photo credit: James Brittain