By its choice the Jury recognized that the project number 30003 is the one that best meets the requirements of the competition.
1. Quality of the architectural design
The architectural design is clear, simple and nuanced. The presence of a generous atrium favours an excellent animation of the premises and a global perception of the whole project.
Moreover, this large interior space bathed in natural light is very well integrated by its access to the surrounding outdoor facilities (Mail St-Roch, projected street and garden on the St-Charles River side).
The orientation of the spaces according to the sunlight, views, perspectives and winds is very good.
2. Functional organization
Of all the projects considered, the selected project is the one that, in the general appreciation of the Jury, best satisfies the data of the functional program. It resolves in a remarkably clear layout the very complex set of functions and differentiated circulations. Moreover, all the interior spaces have been carefully treated and particular attention has been paid to the common services (cafeteria, library) and to the spaces assigned to the clerical staff. It was also noted that the parti offers a flexibility that allows for easy adjustments in rearrangements.
The elegance of the parti is also expressed in the zoning of the sectors which is excellent and where we note a nice hierarchy of spaces thus ensuring the respect of the nature of the activities (public and private) and their easy connection.
We also noted an excellent balance in the distribution of horizontal and vertical circulations.
The atrium unifies the multiple functions while promoting easy identification of the spaces.
3. Human atmosphere level
The proposed parti translates well, by the nature of the atmosphere sought. The spirit towards which the administration of justice seems to evolve. The variety of spaces created by this design is in keeping with the range of services found within the courthouse. A remarkable effort in the research of the continuity of public spaces, such as the atrium, the large public circulations and the pedestrian areas, offers a varied sequence of ambiance that projects outside the building to the pedestrian areas. This continuity is accentuated by an excellent choice of strategic locations and the succession of focal points chosen for the installation of the artworks.
However, the proposals developed by this somewhat classical parti of integration of artworks strongly emphasizes the use of sculpture
4. Balance and volumetric scale
The volumetric scale reflects very well the architectural parti of this imposing but well-balanced project, made light by the transparency of the large glass surfaces.
The character of this volumetry is expressed in nuanced articulations. On the street level, only the articulations of the elevators and some small elements are expressed. At the pedestrian level, there is a longitudinal recess that accentuates the transparency of the building. And on the upper floors the articulations disappear under a uniform horizontal band. On the other hand, on the side of the highway, the roof elements reveal the presence of the atrium to the passerby.
5. Architectural treatment
The elements of architectural vocabulary used in the treatment of the facades, while being well unified, offer pedestrians certain surprise effects, especially on the lower level of the building. In the same way, the transparency of the first floor shows the interest given to pedestrians in this project. Finally, in the expression of the access, this parti seems to have emphasized the southern entrance (on the side of Mail St-Roch) which is particularly well articulated.
Given the volumetric importance of the project, it did not seem desirable to the designers to seek a more imposing character.
6. Urban integration
The chosen parti, while taking into account the existing elements of the environment (Gare du Palais, Post Office) favors, thanks to its scale, a relatively flexible agreement with the foreseeable developments of the sector.
The parti takes up well the elements of the program by supporting the privileged circulations and associates in a happy way the external spaces to the pedestrian accesses, while solving in an elegant way the vehicular accesses, of service and by avoiding any conflict with the pedestrian circulation.
Without radically turning its back on the highway, it isolates itself from it by creating an appropriate lane for service and parking under the highway.
7. Technical elements
This project suggests a quality construction and a refinement of the detail which supposes a particular care in the execution. However, it appeared to the experts that the mechanical systems appeared to be designed with a rather low safety margin of performance.
Furthermore, it seemed to the Jury that concerns about energy conservation should receive more attention from the designers in the further study. For example, the Jury questioned the public's perception of the predominance of glass in the envelope treatment. It seemed possible to introduce a greater quantity of solids that might be more in keeping with the character of the current and foreseeable environment without reducing the quality of the architectural treatment.
In addition, the Jury suggests that the MTPA, in conjunction with the project engineer, examine the possibility of improving the proposed mechanical system in terms of both performance and energy conservation.
Finally, the Jury would like to see a careful examination of the aspects concerning maintenance and protection against the various nuisances originating mainly on the side of the highway. It seemed possible to some members of the Jury to simplify these components of the building without substantially changing the architectural character or the quality of the atmosphere of the atrium.
Notwithstanding the above considerations, it appeared to the Jury that this project offers the best synthesis of an excellent architectural design to meet a complex program of needs in a revitalization of an important part of the city.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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