A place of conviviality
This project for the new cultural center of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce can be likened to an architectural essay dealing with a civic architecture program, a singular urban and landscape context, and above all with convivial spaces. The composition of the project, which could be traversed as if it were an experiment in situationist urban drifting, promotes accessibility and conviviality. From Monkland, one lingers at a sheltered terrace that extends the café and is bordered by an exterior staircase where one can also sit. Then one arrives at the entrance and, there, the generous sculptural and luminous space of the reception opens onto the entrance of the multifunctional room and especially onto the grand staircase of the library. One can stop and explore it, or go to the outside parterre which is sheltered by two big wonderful trees and on which the multifunctional room may be opening that day, and then continue the walk towards the heart of Benny Farm, going through and discovering as many places, gardens and squares. The cultural center participates fully in the 21st century garden city project that Benny Farm is becoming.
Monkland and Benny: the program in two axes
The building's program is structured along two axes. The east-west axis is that of the library and runs along Monkland, the north-south axis is that which supports the other cultural activities. The entrance to the multi-purpose room faces Monkland. The multi-purpose hall strategically marks the corner of Monkland and Benny avenues, and the two-story service bar that is connected to the two halls borders Benny Avenue. To the south, the "L" shape of the crossing of the axes frames an elegant courtyard composed of the parterre, the dry pond, the parking lot and the delivery spaces. This courtyard, which combines hard surfaces and planted floors and hosts special outdoor events, is also the second access to the center.
The Library: A Zigzag Cut
The library space is fluid and encompassing. The fundamental principle behind its design is that of a large public room articulated to accommodate different users and particular functions under one roof. The continuity that characterizes the library can be seen clearly in the east-west cross-section that reveals the zigzags of the route. The youngest users are discreetly nestled slightly below the entrance around the activity room in a space that is largely open to the outside, while the teenagers climb three flights of the main staircase before taking the ramp that leads them to the spaces intended for them, which, while being on the same level, are set back from those where the adults are located. This way, the younger children remain close to their parents, while a separate path gives the teens a sense of independence. This arrangement also ensures relative quiet on the second level.
Youth and adults have a wide range of reading spaces to choose from. The library experience is one of discovery, where children can meet their parents on the reading staircase, where teens take off to their newfound freedom, only to return as adults to the library again and again, following their interests.
Composition of the envelope: a light and efficient laminate
The building envelope is composed of several distinct layers. It could be described as "laminated," which is what most exterior walls are today, but also as innovative, because the prefabricated wall sections of traditional red brick in front of a metal first finish are much further away from the rest of the wall than in typical compositions. In addition, the inner layer, sometimes transparent, sometimes translucent, is also distinguished by its relative independence from the whole. By their arrangement, the outer and inner layers each contribute in their own way to calibrate and control the interior illumination, acoustics and views. And from a distance, the punctual and subtle appearance of the brightly colored metal wall makes the brick sing...
A sustainable project
In terms of LEED credits, 26 are easily met and the other six that meet the goal of 32 credits have little impact on the budget. Additional credits have been considered. Their relevance will be evaluated as the project evolves in order to optimize the achievement of LEED certification.
The project's sustainability agenda is based on deep concerns for the community, user comfort, economy and strategic innovation. We propose an engaging building whose sustainability features could be enhanced over the long term through the engagement and participation of the community, for whom the cultural center is obviously intended.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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