The pilgrimage
The experience of the Oratory complex is first and foremost a territorial one. We are located on a mountainside in the heart of Montreal. Our journey through the city to the Basilica, through the museum, to the dome and up to the lantern, is a powerful experience, but when we enter the building, we lose our bearings. The importance of our orientation in the journey is a central consideration in the development of our ideas
Light and Orientation
Our design approach recognizes the importance of light. Ecclesiastical architecture has long been concerned with the reception of light within its worship spaces as a revelation of divine expression. In our proposal, natural and artificial light compose with the surfaces and transform the spaces; they highlight the objects of the collections and guide the visitor along his journey.
The traveler's ascent is punctuated by a series of rings of light. Taking the form of large brass compasses (or projected light on the floor) and repeating on each level of the museum, the rings provide a narrative by identifying stopping points for exhibit elements, orienting the traveler through the space, and providing a unifying framework between the various sections.
In the inter-dome, the lighting of the vast curved surfaces will aim to highlight the sublime. The choreography of various projection scenarios on these surfaces would be studied to examine how the light intensity can be calibrated according to our progression. Finally, a soft artificial light carefully integrated into the handrails and surfaces adjacent to the pathway offers its accompaniment and creates a safe path of light. This lighting is soft and remains subordinate to the experience of climbing.
From museum interaction to contemplation
The passage of the visitor from the museum to the drum (level 197) and into the West and North Towers, by elevator or via the staircase, presents a significant break in the museum's journey. In order to bridge this gap, a map of the museum is installed in the 'hall des pas perdus' which connects the access points to the West and North Towers. Taking up the theme of 'rings of light', a map presents the levels of the inter-dome on a glass wall. Placed in the center of this map, the names of the donors occupy a notable place.
If the views towards the outside, the various versions of the rings and the path of light orient the traveler in his ascent, in the inter-dome the museum path is also characterized by the progressive dissolution of the museum installations in favor of a stripped and frank architecture. The interactive spaces gradually give way to contemplation spaces. The physical experience of the dome! Everyone refocuses on their experience.
The drum, the mezzanine and the tower of Notebaert
The drum and mezzanine levels are places of transit, bathed in the golden light of stained glass. The exhibits are still present, but are configured for wandering. A clear vertical circulation rising to the level of the oculus is stated here. It is distinguished from the ambulatory space that receives for exhibitions and allows to see the interior of the basilica.
The oculus, the suspended staircase and the observatory
A double spiral staircase marks this space, one of them dropping down and inviting the visitor to its final ascent. Their stringers encircle the void above the oculus. These two staircases are suspended from the upper dome by means of cables - an allegory of the divine hand that receives.
The highest level offers a panoramic view over the city; this space is experienced without the digital. The walls are neutral surfaces, subtly filled with a brass border, with indications of points of interest that unfold on the horizon. An intimate place located at the junction of the earth and the immensity of the skies.
On the way down, a bridge connects the 2nd staircase to the North Tower, avoiding the need to retrace your steps at the oculus. The path continues through a steel structure. Visual breakthroughs enhance the return to the drum and finally to the museum.
(Competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Initial comments
The concept is distinguished by the addition of a double helical staircase in the inter-dome leading to the lantern, a simple and strong gesture in an equally strong space; a beautiful suspended object. The whole tour circuit is in a rotating movement, like the staircase. The wall of the inter-dome, at the level of the drum and mezzanine is covered with a new finish. The museum level is treated in a more conventional way spatially; the concrete is exposed. On the other hand, technology is used to solve the problem of access control. The store is located in front of the main hall. The storerooms are reorganized. In terms of budget, the team proposes cuts that close the gap denounced by Macogep.
The jury was sensitive to the notion of architectural gesture and appreciated its elegance. On the other hand, the quest for humility desired by the Oratory does not fit with this gesture. Moreover, the technical aspect is questioned by the jury, which sees a structural and monetary risk. It is contrary to the program and the request to preserve the existing infrastructures. What is left of the concept if we remove this monumental staircase? The treatment of the drum walls risks distorting the architectural genesis of this unique space. From a museum perspective, this level is effectively treated without being distinctive; it demonstrates a good understanding of circulation and group management. Mechanically, the natural ventilation option is not acceptable to the jury because of the presence of asbestos and the chimney effect.
Comments from May 15
Attractive proposal but focused on an architectural object that is too strong and in opposition to the vision of the Oratory. Museum component functional but not very distinctive. The proposal was considered structurally risky because of the change in the nature of the structure of the domes, and budgetarily risky, despite the proposed cuts. The mechanical concept did not convince the jury of its relevance. This proposal contravenes the program on several levels.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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