Paleontology: fossils, algorithms and mirrors:
The present proposal is a continuation of the conceptual approach presented during the service offering stage. On the functional and technical level, we essentially take up the established configuration, the proposed programmatic relationships as well as the prescribed building levels, particularly in relation to the presence of rock. While building on these postulates, which have probably been the subject of prior reflection, we propose to integrate into the basic operational structure of the two schools, certain added values that will anchor the project to the specific context of the city of Lévis and enhance the architectural experience of the site.
Entrance process, reception and lobby
Our first intervention was to set up a central reception area allowing the population to orient themselves easily, to perceive at a glance the services offered and to efficiently navigate through a rich architectural experience. To achieve this, we propose to install a three-flight staircase, separate from the exit staircase, with two of the flights equipped with suspended walkways. The first flight is very wide and leads to the dance school, located as planned on the lower level. This last flight was thought to constitute a natural step for the users of the dance school who will be able to use it as a rallying point or as a place to wait. The second flight is very short and connects the hall to the foyer of the performance hall, barely one meter higher, so that these two key spaces of the project remain open to each other. Finally, the last flight of this central staircase allows us to reach the music school through the foyer, which can also be used as an overflow space during busy periods. The strategic position of the hall and its staircase will allow us to offer a complementary foyer at any time during events at the dance school or in the performance hall, thus doubling the surface area of the initial foyer. In addition to the reception desk and the security office, which were redesigned for the occasion, the toy library was also reconfigured to allow for the integration of this hall and staircase. Thus redesigned, the toy library, which loses nothing of its original surface area, is also enhanced by access to natural light.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
- The conceptual sensitivity as well as the quality of the integration to the site are undeniable as well as the quality and refinement of the proposed construction details.
- The designers have clearly given serious thought to the acoustic interventions required.
- The technical committee's cost estimate for this project is a major concern, especially since the absence of a firewall between the extension and the existing building could lead the promoter to undertake additional work to bring the building up to standard, the cost of which has not been calculated.
- The numerous interventions proposed on the existing building increase the risk factors regarding the control of the cost of the work, given the presence of asbestos in the existing building.
- The flexibility of the proposal is reduced due to the relatively tight and rational planning of the plans.
- The planning of the first floor proposes a location for the toy library that puts it at the heart of the project, whereas this function is accessory and without any real link with the two teaching spaces. This function should rather be satellite.
- The spatial organization around the interior courtyard is clearly an element of the proposal that enhances the program of needs. The jury recognizes its quality. However, it is clear that this element is intrinsically linked to the asbestos issue and could not be removed without substantially affecting the quality of the proposed design. In doing so, the possibilities for rationalizing the proposal are diminished.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
18 scanned / 18 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Site Plan
- Plan
- Plan
- Plan
- Section
- Section
- Elevation
- Elevation
- Elevation
- Elevation
- Construction detail
