7 art-inspired concepts for museum renovation

Observing a decline in traffic, Cinémathèque assigned Inscape le studio a mandate to reposition Médiathèque Guy-L.Côté as a destination of choice for film researchers. Located in the heart of Montreal, Médiathèque Guy-L.-Côté 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.

General view
Photo credit: Raphaël Thibodeau

A bright, warm colour palette was used to contrast with the existing monochromatic architecture. This carefully chosen 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. The reception area is marked by a coppery-orange mass that directs visitors to an imposing perforated steel reception counter. The transparency caused by this perforation changes according to the point of view, inviting visitors to question what they see.

Reception area - perforated steel counter
Photo credit: Raphaël Thibodeau

Detail of the perforated steel counter
Photo credit: Raphaël Thibodeau

Colour palette
Photo credit: Raphaël Thibodeau

In the lounge area, the focal point is expressed by a set of circles, perceptible at a precise point where the visitor can appreciate the concept. The central space is furnished with a comfortable ochre-yellow circular sofa that offers researchers a less formal option for consulting documents.

General view
Photo credit: Raphaël Thibodeau

At the back of the Médiathèque, a quiet area is dedicated to viewing and consulting archives. Particular care has been taken in the treatment of this area, with the use of a dark blue colour that invokes a sense of silence and calm.

Silent zone
Photo credit: Raphaël Thibodeau

Silent zone
Photo credit: Raphaël Thibodeau

Two semi-enclosed viewing areas were created to promote user comfort and concentration. The shape chosen imitates that of the mattebox (part of a camera's eyepiece), allowing the user to cut off contact with the outside environment and in order to facilitate viewing. 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.

Silent zone - Mattebox
Photo credit: Raphaël Thibodeau

Custom-made lighting
Photo credit: Raphaël Thibodeau

The animation zone, dedicated to meetings, conferences, and training sessions, is undoubtedly the space where there is the most movement and activity in the Médiathèque. As a backdrop, a large, colourful, and rhythmic mural bridges all of the zones and integrates each of the project's colours. The mural, an artwork by artist Serges Clément, aligns perfectly with Inscape's conceptual vision. Médiathèque offers a unique, warm, and functional design that now meets the needs of its clientele from both home and abroad.

Mural
Photo credit: Raphaël Thibodeau

About Inscape le studio

Inscape le studio is a Montreal-based interior architecture and design studio. Concerned about the sustainability of the places in which it intervenes, Inscape bases its creative approach on functional aesthetics. Projects are developed in collaboration with the client, who is asked to express their needs, the context in which they evolve, and the context towards which they project themselves in order to create an environment that reflects their image. Inscape accompanies the client through all stages of the project, from conception to supervision of the work. The design studio wants to leave its mark on people's worlds by creating places that will make a difference in their daily lives.