The future offices of the Ordre des Architectes du Québec (OAQ) will be located on the second floor of the building located at 420 McGill Street in Montreal. The building will also house other organizations working in related fields to form "La Maison de l'architecture, du design et de l'urbanisme" and eventually become the crossroads of architecture in Montreal and Quebec. In order to be part of this dynamic, the new facilities must respond to issues encouraging interaction, collaboration and synergy of work teams as well as the propagation of natural light.
The proposed layout presents a spatial organization articulated around a central core. This "generating element" will house, on its two extremities, the closed offices of the managers of each division. The open spaces between this core and the perimeter walls will accommodate open-plan workstations, allowing employees to benefit from the natural light coming from each end of the space. This organization allows direct links between managers and their teams and creates synergy. A circulation corridor surrounds the central space and serves these work areas, promoting communication and exchange between team members. The work alcoves on the north side have low walls to ensure visual flow from one end of the space to the other and the addition of shared worktables between stations facilitates teamwork.
The existing furniture could be reused in the closed offices and meeting rooms as it is appropriately sized. However, the open areas would benefit from new furniture that is better adapted to the new ergonomics of the space and that offers surfaces and storage adjusted to the proposed new plan.
At the heart of this core is a "block" regrouping the meeting spaces (conference room, kitchen, reprography and library) offering places of conviviality and exchanges to the personnel. This "flexible and evolving" block can be transformed during special events to accommodate a larger number of people.
The materials were selected according to an economical and eco-responsible approach while favoring choices consistent with the project's objectives. Thus, engineered wood was chosen for the circulation areas, the reception area and the ceiling of the closed offices to add a touch of nobility to the space. A 100% recycled carpet occupies the floor of the work areas and an acoustic tile ceiling overhangs the majority of the open area. The ceiling will remain open above the corridors to distinguish the central core and accentuate its role.
The walls of the central core have alternating opacities and transparencies to reflect the functions of the corresponding spaces and ensure continuity of views and natural light. The self-adhesive films applied on the surface allow a dynamic signage around the central core. The gypsum walls are mostly painted white and act as a light diffuser. Black was also used sparingly, rather to hide certain areas, such as the technical corridor and the exposed ceiling space, or to add depth to the reception area. In addition, doors, light fixtures and countertops in the bathrooms and kitchen will be retained from the existing but refreshed to match the new layouts.
In sum, the suggested layout responds well to the imposed program in terms of organization and efficiency, as well as to the issues of daylighting, interaction and conviviality. The links between the teams are strong, and the ancillary spaces have been integrated in such a way as to unify this longitudinal space at its center. The design gestures are simple, not ostentatious, but have a lot of character in relation to the historic building while maintaining modern, clean lines. The whole is realized in the respect of the environment by the recovery of elements present on the site and the choice of recycled materials. In short, this project will allow the Ordre des Architectes du Québec to acquire a new head office that will emphasize the transparency of its activities and its openness towards its members and the public that it is mandated to protect.
(Competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
This project stands out for the functionality of its layout and its excellent response to the program submitted.
- Its reception area, open to the windows of McGill Street, offers a very interesting perspective.
- The juxtaposition of the kitchen with the meeting room (11.4) makes these spaces versatile.
- The dialogue between the library and the kitchen is a strong gesture, but it is weakened by everything that surrounds it.
- This project demonstrates many qualities but little strength to support the concept.
- The choice of colors proposed for the finishing materials is questionable.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
7 scanned / 7 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Schema
