From an urban planning point of view, several features will help to link the new MAC to its context. On the first floor, the museum will shine through its transparency and the animation of its public spaces, namely the lobby, the reception and the store. On the Esplanade level, the project proposes an ensemble whose proportions and architectural expression will integrate with the neighboring buildings. Indeed, the upper volume will be composed of an envelope of folded metal blades revealing the interior spaces in places and filtering the natural light. The verticality thus expressed will underline the public character of the museum and, in a much more contemporary gesture, will harmonize with the treatment of the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier and the Théâtre Maisonneuve.
On the Jeanne-Mance Street side, thanks to the transparent and luminous volume of the expansion, the project will create new essential links with the Place des Festivals. The museum boutique, judiciously located at the intersection of Jeanne-Mance and Sainte-Catherine Streets, will benefit from a most enviable location. On level 2, a large window will reveal the museum's restaurant, a double-height space opening onto an outdoor terrace. These public spaces will take advantage of the traffic in the Quartier des Spectacles and will communicate the museum's activities day and night.
The visibility of the museum will be greatly enhanced on the Sainte-Catherine Street side thanks to the angled overhang of the extension. Underneath this projected volume, the museum's generous forecourt will naturally guide visitors to the main entrance, while providing the space necessary for festivals. The proposed volumetry also allows for the preservation of views towards the stage from the Esplanade during concerts.
Upon entering the museum, the visitor will be immersed in the vast space of the main hall where he or she will establish direct contact with contemporary art. Bathed in abundant eastern light, this three-story, gallery-lined atrium can serve as an additional exhibition area as well as a multi-purpose space for special events. From floor to floor, the linear galleries giving access to the exhibition spaces will create a new showcase for art and increase the visibility of the various exhibitions. Equipped with a series of bleachers, the new MAC's lobby will have an undeniably public character, as will the Esplanade that runs alongside it. Taking shape like objects in space, the circulation elements (stairs, elevator, steps) will participate in the interior signage.
On the Esplanade level, the visitor will access the main exhibition spaces opening onto the Esplanade. This is also the level where the reception area for the educational sector is located, with an independent entrance. On the intermediate level, the workshops will benefit from an atmosphere conducive to concentration and creation. On level 2, the museum's restaurant will offer a unique view of the Place des Festivals and will open onto a generous protected terrace. This level will also provide access to the terrace on the roof of the studios. Facing the Esplanade and the Place des Arts, this terrace will be a considerable asset for the museum, which will be able to organize various public or private events. Finally, the administrative spaces located on levels 3 and 4 will be redesigned to be more functional and to respond to the needs of the constantly evolving institution.
(From competition's documentation)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Pros:
- Architectural party particularly significant for Montrealers and for the Museum.
- Project capable of becoming iconic.
- Attractive architectural style that integrates well with the context while being distinct.
- It is the project that best respects the Place des Arts quadrilateral.
- The proposal demonstrates an exemplary ease in adding volumes to an existing building.
- The project takes into account the urban perception and its insertion in a festive cultural ensemble.
- The spatial organization and the diversity of the proposed spaces allow for improved operations for the MAC, particularly for the development of temporary exhibitions.
- The conservation of the BWR room is appreciated.
- The overall planning is convincing.
- The visitor experience at the MAC is greatly enhanced.
- The interior is a total seduction.
- The location of the restaurant towards the Place des Festivals is a judicious choice for increasing museum attendance.
- The proposed museum itinerary favors the promotion of contemporary art.
- A spectacular, audacious, coherent and controlled architectural gesture whose durability is underlined. The animation provided by an accessible terrace on the overhang above the main entrance is highly appreciated.
- The explanations provided at the hearing clarified the doubts raised by the technical committee regarding the design of the structural system of the proposed large cantilever trusses.
Cons:
- The organization of the educational workshops is not optimal for a very young clientele.
- The positioning of the café would have deserved a better visibility.
- The proposed sustainable development measures have yet to be defined.
- Intrusive project requiring extensive interventions in the existing building.
Reservations:
- Feasibility to be validated by a value analysis
- Correct the slight encroachment on the Esplanade.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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