The project for the auditorium carries with it the gene of the institution and the public place. (..) The new building is implanted on the same site as the academic hall in the old fabric of the city. The stage cage, which dominates the composition by its height, will be a signal element on boulevard L'Ange-Gardien. (...) At the rear of the building is the outdoor amphitheatre. This space, which will be used alternately as a parking lot and as a performance space, is composed in the image of a hall with its parterre and its boxes.
The idea that best sums up our perception of the project would be your "Magic". (..) The building is characterized by its articulated volumetry. It does not propose a symmetrical composition; a result of the urban influence. This approach is effective in breaking the perceived scale of the building. (...) The contemplative dimension of the foyer coexists with the theatrical imaginary of the place (...) The spatial and volumetric organization is defined by the distinction of the basic elements of the program. The stage house, the auditorium, the foyers (2), the office and ticket office, and finally the two volumes containing the toilets and the stage support rooms are arranged (...)
(From the project presentation booklet)
(Unofficial automated translation)
The jury was, at first glance, seduced by this project whose forms, textures, proportions and play of transparency seemed convincing.
However, the jury considered that the location of the project made its integration into the city difficult; it regrets that the project does not address the boulevard l'Ange-Gardien clearly enough and believes that the gauge of Marsan Street is too small to take advantage of the facade being built there. The legibility of the project, its functions, its volumes appeared difficult to the jury.
The jury appreciated the careful treatment of the exterior spaces, in particular the treatment along Marsan Street; however, this development appeared to be too elaborate, out of proportion given the means available.
The difficulties posed by the general orientation of the building, which are reflected in the planning of the accesses, greatly reduce the strength of the initial party.
The jury was also concerned about the fragmentation of the building and the difficult connections between each of its parts; it fears that the realization of such a project, within the budgetary limits, cannot be done without sacrificing the quality of the details.
The overall proportions of the hall seem good, but its layout raises certain problems: the general shape is likely to generate echoes, the seating arrangement in the balcony offers views into the wings, the geometry of the ceiling, barely sketched out, is poorly resolved.
(From jury report, following the meeting held on November 29, 1996, cf: Beaupré Archives)
(Unofficial automated translation)
