The creation of the Sanaaq Centre is an opportunity to provide Peter McGill with a sustainable and appropriable space that is conducive to sharing, collaboration and inclusion: traditional Aboriginal values that will benefit all. Our design for the Sanaaq Centre offers generous, comfortable, playful, open and carefully designed spaces. It is a place whose bright and colourful presence radiates throughout the neighbourhood.
On the edge of Place Henri-Dunant, the presence of the center is proudly announced by the letters S A N A A Q supported by large posts: the entrance is welcoming. As soon as you enter the square, you can see the liveliness of the interior: the café, the culinary workshop, the medialab/musilab creation space, all showcased by the three-story atrium located to the right of the entrance. Beyond the threshold, we immediately find the agora, the café, the performance hall, the large multifunctional room, the middle organizations and the shelves of the express library. We are in the heart of the action! Two large staircases invite us to discover pleasant routes to the main library, exhibition and medialab/musilab spaces. By taking them, we reach intermediate levels: two balconies open onto the first floor spaces, suitable for programmed or even spontaneous musical performances. From René-Lévesque Boulevard, we are greeted by the winding shelves of the express library along the façade overlooking Hector-Toe-Blake Square, which lead us to the central agora, the small hall and the performance space.
The overall strategy adopted for the design of the Sanaaq Centre relies heavily on the fluidity and variety of circulation between the spaces and on the presence and visibility of the program elements. The layout of the different spaces favours the implementation of this strategy. It is consolidated by the presence of large staircases and the insertion of a light, openwork metal structure. This modular structure is composed of painted steel frames suspended from the ceiling and fixed to the floor. It integrates functional and technical devices - multifunctional digital screens, smart charging stations, lighting, interactive displays, acoustic panels, signage, curtains, etc. - as well as installations, works of art, reproductions of works, planters, etc.; a sort of large cabinet that joyfully exhibits the cultural richness of the Peter McGill district and the characteristic technophilia of the center. This omnipresent structure forms the interior envelope of the project. It establishes vertical and horizontal planes that organize the whole. The vertical planes subdivide the site into sub-spaces that subtly delineate the prescribed uses. The horizontal planes form a screen that partially conceals the underside of the slabs and the various conduits attached to them. The modular metal structure offers a great adaptability that will allow the Sanaaq Centre to last for several decades. Seen from Henri-Dunant and Hector-Toe-Blake squares, the metallic structure and the multiple devices integrated into it contribute magnificently to the colorful animation that vibrates at the heart of the Children's Square complex.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
-The way the service is presented is not current and makes it difficult to evaluate. The choice of graphics does not allow for an appreciation of, among other things, the impact of natural light on the layout.
-The project has a strong and assumed community identity. It is distinguished by its color and its lively presence in the context of an imposing building complex.
-The "bazaar" type character is attractive and inviting to the citizens of the community. Its varied coloring enlivens the spaces and provides visibility from the outside. However, this "ornamental" treatment is questioned, as it is difficult to understand whether the graphic representations placed throughout the Centre are works of art or graphics designed by the designers of the site. The management of these works could complicate the operation of the Center.
-The exterior signage of the SANAAQ Centre overlooking Henri-Dunant Park raises some questions about its sustainability.
-The system of light metal structures, like an interior skin, allows for a marked appropriation of the site. It also contributes to the acoustic quality of the spaces.
-The multitude of visual elements makes the route difficult to follow intuitively and risks creating confusion with the interior signage.
-The exploitation of the eastern and northern facades is very successful with the provision of open public functions on the periphery, both on the ground and upper floors. However, the Café on the northwest side is rather far from the access to the outdoor terrace. In addition, the location of the large multi-purpose room risks creating inanimate moments from the outside when not in use.
-We deplore the treatment of the route from the entrance located on René-Lévesque Boulevard. The circulation area becomes very narrow and blocked by the positioning of the washroom. This location is also questioned because of the inconvenience of noise (hand dryers, toilet flushes) of such an open room.
-The functionality of the premises in general is not optimized, especially for the spaces dedicated to the library. However, the library offers an interesting design concept.
-The electromechanical proposal raises a major issue because of its primary orientation towards the use of electricity. The existing electrical capacity may not be sufficient and cannot be modified as needed.
-The proposal demonstrates achievement of the goal of LEED-Gold certification, but appears optimistic.
-Budget feasibility was demonstrated with satisfaction, following the filing of the requested cost reduction measures. However, it was noted that there is a risk of increased costs due to the possible change in the electromechanical proposal. In addition, it was noted that one of the proposed cost reduction options, the removal of some of the light steel structures, could alter the overall design of the project.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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