The Convention on Biological Diversity describes biodiversity as "the variety and variability among all living organisms. This includes, inter alia, the variety of species, their life forms and associated complexes, their interactions and the ecological processes they influence and of which they are the actors." There is therefore no more explicit way to present entomological diversity than to create complexes of associated species in recreated biotopes." Claude Figureau, phytosociologist
A platform, 6.30 m high, is nestled in the trees of the Garden, around the three preserved floors of the existing building. Ramps rise up into the central immersive space, enriched with 9 specific immersive biotopes. They surround it, cross it, and explore it in height, from one level to the next, to be as close as possible to the insects... up to the Canadian meadow on the roof, more than 12 m above the ground.
THE APPROACH AND THE ARCHITECTURAL CHOICE
Currently stuck between the walls of a banal architecture, the insectarium must find the means of its metamorphosis by a radical act that allows to turn the existing situation to the benefit of the discovery of the unsuspected world of insects, and more broadly, of the living. The place must find the means to unfold, to be porous and generous, permeable to views, to light, so as to weave remarkable links between living reality and constructed reality. At the same time, it must offer the increased intimacy necessary for the precise attention of visitors to the varieties of insects and experiences presented. Beyond its "spectacular" aspect, the Montreal Insectarium will support a global discourse on biodiversity through the prism of insects / landscape / climate / humans.
The project is based on three elements that seem fundamental to us:
- the emotion of the visitor: the immersive experience
- scientific rigor: the precision of the biotopes
- a generous, capable, comfortable and flexible space: the architecture
THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Whether it is a question of fear, admiration, fascination, phobia or contemplation, the relationship proposed is different, it modifies the museum relationship to enter into the experience, into the possibility of touching this unknown world. The feeling of immersion in the living appeals to the lived experiences, that they are physical, mental, real or imaginary. The immersion obliges to the very big, to the very high. It must be mentally limitless, enveloping, multiplying attention, confusing.
- As soon as the visitor enters, he is plunged into a "Piranesian" image made of multiple points of perspective and light, of multiple possible paths, of astonishing ascendancy.
This architectural ensemble is immersed in the abundance of vegetation, the perpetual and colorful movements of butterflies and hummingbirds, bathed in beams of zenithal light, the sound of a waterfall, the rustling of leaves generated by the breath of a draft. This living picture develops over 16m high from the level - 4m to the light of the roof garden. This imaginary geography is contained in a constant and warm climate. A "mist catcher" cloth envelops the whole and allows the control of hygrometric exchanges with the other spaces of the insectarium.
- In the basement, the origin of this immersive world, a luxuriant vegetation is organized around a water basin irrigated by small waterfalls. Salamanders, frogs, carp, turtles, complete the diversity of the fauna of this biotope. Opposite this vegetal environment, in the half-light of the space, is organized the multiprojection of videos and still images presenting on a very large scale the spectacular aspects of arthropods... Hypertrophies of the bodies, rituals and astonishing behaviors, extraordinary architectures, terrifying or marvelous visions of this animal world.
- Through the gently sloping ramps, the visitor rises through the landscapes, crosses different layers of vegetation, and observes the active world of insects as he wishes. The central immersive space is enriched with 9 specific biotopes. These 9 biotopes are part of the visitor's journey. They can be crossed and discovered in very different atmospheres and geographies.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
STAGE 2 :
The architectural concept develops around a simple formal solution, composed of two slabs, raised from the ground, at the perimeter or from the top between the trees of the site; this aerial space, at the top of the trees, is rooted in the conservation of the existing structure where the immersive space, the heart of the new Insectarium is located:
- The concept translates into a purity of plan, and a clarity of reading, without being complex; the jury recognizes the quality of the idea and the vision but not its formal translation too spread out.
- The concept proposes an attractive architecture, well connected to the site, a strong gesture at the architectural level but not specific to an Insectarium, nor with an identity.
- The minimalist architecture proposes a modular vision, with its innovative "biotope boxes", spread out on the slab and which try to represent the biodiversity of the insect world; this approach risks harming the observation of insects, and does not represent a strong enough experience for the visitor, without prior education. In addition, it does not meet federal regulations for animal facilities.
- The biotopes reduce the flexibility to renew the experience.
- The proposal doubles the size of the PFT.
- The estimated cost is significantly in excess of the Settlement budget.
- The museum concept has not been clearly defined outside of the biozones and this absence will impact the budget.
- The projected image is more identified with a fine art museum; it offers an interesting museum potential but not adapted to the human encounter with insects; there is no sense of experience, no understanding of the insect world is demonstrated. The immersive experience is blocked by the net of the immersive space and the glass of the exterior envelope towards the garden.
- The environmental component is distinguished by the conservation of the existing structure but raises questions because of the overrun of the built area.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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