Le James – McGill University Bookstore, Canadian Retail Interior, Building Architecture, Images
McGill University Bookstore in Montreal
Commercial Campus Interior, Montreal, Canada ? design by KANVA
22 Nov 2019
Le James
Architect: KANVA
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Le James of McGill University located outside the formal campus, is a bookstore designed as an extension of the downtown Montreal campus. The bookstore is a fully connected campus space, a catalyst between the university and the city of Montreal. It becomes a place for exchange and academic pride that allows students to appropriate the site.

Located on two levels (ground floor and basement), the bookstore focusses its attention on a large central staircase. This element is inspired by the traditional exterior stairs of the McGill university buildings that students have become accustomed to occupying. This striking element serves both as a circulation tool and as a visual link. Its strategic location and generous size allow a great source of natural light into the basement, thus anchoring this space in the context of the street.
The oversized, step-inspired staircase creates a gathering place that encourages connections between McGill students. Above the staircase, vintage industrial lights have been installed to soften the light on this space, creating a comforting and welcoming place. With charging stations integrated into it, the staircase aims to accommodate spontaneous work sessions for studen...