The Théâtre des Deux Rives: the affirmation of a public place
The architectural intervention: enveloping and framing
The expansion and redevelopment project of the Théâtre des Deux Rives is based on two complementary notions: opacity and transparency. A steel "skin" in continuity with the template of the seminary defines the new technical and administrative spaces, and a large glass "frame" embedded in the skin overhangs the entrance, reveals the foyer and asserts the public character of the theater.
The integration of the project with the old seminary takes its strength by restoring the horizontal band and the original tripartite composition of the ensemble, which was abandoned when the auditorium was built in 1964. The self-patinating steel skin, an alloy of steel, copper and nickel, defines the new spaces and encases the old building and the raised part of the stage house. The relocation of the foyer to this new area allows for the complete autonomy of the theater. The robustness and patina of the steel harmonizes with the stones of the seminary, and the opaque nature of this envelope responds to that of the existing entablature. The introduction of a new materiality reinforces the autonomy and distinctiveness of the theater.
A large frame overhangs and marks the entrance. Forming the corner, the frame and the entrance are oriented, like the other entrances to the CEGEP, towards the center of the parterre in front of the seminar. Cantilevered over the exterior parvis, the frame forms a long canopy that provides a covered space and accompanies the spectators to the main entrance. It defines, on the main floor, the foyer, a public stage visible from the outside through large glass panels, where the spectators become actors themselves, before and after the show. The foyer of the theater is a true public square, a place that puts the people who pass through it on stage.
Spatial organization: clarity and fluidity
The project greatly simplifies the existing circulation and levels: the ground level for the reception and the artists, two interconnected foyer levels that serve the parterre and the balcony, and an administrative level.
The ground level gives level access to the ticket office and opens onto an entrance hall connected to the checkroom. In communication with this hall and accessible through an independent entrance, the dressing rooms have direct access to the stage located half a level above. At night, they form a real shadow theater through translucent structural glass profiles.
The spectators enter under the foyer before emerging through a wide staircase. Leaning against the opaque shell of the existing auditorium, the new foyer spreads over two levels and animates the façade of the theater at night when lit. On the upper level, the foyer, suspended from the structure, forms a balcony over the lower level providing a visual and, through a connecting staircase, physical relationship between the two spaces. This level provides a new direct access to the balcony of the hall.
The administrative spaces occupy part of the floor immediately above the foyer. The other part, outside, houses the mechanical units that supply all the levels of the new part.
The auditorium: a friendly and efficient space
In contrast to the hard stone and steel envelope, a new wooden skin unfolds softly on the ceiling of the hall. Concealing all the technical elements and serving as a diffusing acoustic surface, it is oriented in the axis of the stage and directs the eye towards its frame. The side walls, in the form of megaphones, are dark and discreet.
The access to the room is on the same level as the main foyer. Audiences slope gently down to the front of the room through two American-style circulation aisles. The slope of the last six rows is increased to improve viewing angles. The 826 new seats are arranged in a harmonious curve and reinforce the conviviality of the place. The first rows are closer to the stage and arranged in a continental style to promote good actor/spectator contact. We arrive at the balcony, brought up to standard by blowing out the bleachers. A new access leads the public on a transverse aisle at mid-balcony, favoring a good distribution of the spectators.
The height of the stage frame is increased to 24'-0'' and the stage cage, raised, is designed with a technical grill at 60'-0''. Single run carriers and some electric ones are planned. For economic reasons, the playing area is maintained at its present depth but side clearances are increased at the garden and courtyard. A convenient and efficient landing is redesigned directly at the stage level.
The forecourt: an outdoor public space
Alongside the façade, a mineral forecourt composed of ferrous quartzite and limestone screenings extends the materiality of the theater and the seminar to the ground. Across this surface grow grasses, cousins of the grass that covers the floor of the green areas of the CEGEP. Like so many skins encompassing the building, bands of materials follow one another. To the north of the stage house, the envelope becomes denser and incorporates shrubs and serviceberry bushes. At the main entrance of the building, the concrete slab of the hall extends outside in pieces to the automobile pavement. The entire surface of the forecourt forms a landing area oriented towards the central parterre of the seminary. Pathways across the median in front of the theater extend the access from the parking lot.
The design of an exterior lighting system is proposed for the program of integrating a work of art into the building. Every evening, the lighting of the stage and the forecourt, a true public intervention, signals and stages the theater.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
The jury appreciated the architectural integration of the new construction with the existing building, particularly in the choice of materials for the exterior envelope, which blend in well with the envelope of the Cégep. We also underlined the relevance of the architectural design in relation to the objectives of the project. The great clarity, the intelligibility of the spatial organization and the rigour of the planning were particularly noted by the jury. The designers proposed interesting solutions for the flexibility of the layouts. The jury also appreciated the location of the foyer, which acts as a window on the street.
In general, the jury appreciated the interior volume of the room proposed to improve the existing and the warm atmosphere created by the choice of wood species. Also noted were the simplicity of the volumetric response of the entire extension, the economy of means with respect to the objectives of the program, the relevance and the realism of the project in its implementation.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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