The Espace Rivière is inspired by the nine guiding principles that emerged from the participatory process, with the aim of offering citizens a cultural and administrative building with a unifying, structuring and sustainable identity, which will become a vector for urban requalification.
In designing the Espace Rivière, we paid close attention to the accessibility and user-friendliness of all its spaces, as well as to the fluidity of circulation and the attractiveness of walking to and through the building. Providing a rich array of views in and out - including, of course, of the Rivière des Prairies - also played a major role in the project's design. We literally treated the Carrefour area as the project's "binder": it unites the first floor and garden level through a bright, green atrium.
The initial decision to reuse the structure of the existing building proved decisive. This ecological choice effectively established the levels of the two lower floors, the garden level and the first floor. It also made it possible to manage the topography of the site and ensure a fluid relationship between inside and outside: gentle slopes provide access to the generous outdoor spaces at the two entrances to Espace Rivière. Each of these spaces can accommodate a very large number of people and activities.
The structural framework of the existing library is carried over into the new building, where it is extended to create a "constructed woodland" that is particularly visible in the central atrium and also extends outwards to the garden level entrance and terraces. Concurrently, plants and trees are introduced into the atrium, onto the terraces and right up to the ground-floor entrance, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside; between the natural and the built. The presence of the Rivière des Prairies and the stream that runs through René-Masson Park are other important natural features of the site. We have chosen to reveal them by ensuring a spectacular view towards the river and by creating a rain garden alongside the building. The latter will contribute to the water management system and feed the creek.
The PFT presented a number of interesting design challenges, including the layout and location of the Performing Arts hub. Indeed, the organization of circulation between the spaces that make up this hub is complex. Above all, the height of the incubation room and the performance hall must be dealt with on more than one level, and the performance hall occupies a very large volume above which it is preferable not to install heavy loads. By locating the auditorium at the rear of the building and installing the largest of the terraces directly on its roof, we were able to resolve these functional and structural constraints and create a pleasant and optimal relationship that benefits the whole building.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
- This finalist proposes a project with vivid colours, warmth and a most inviting welcome, in keeping with the community of this borough. The designer's signature is recognized here and qualified as very appropriate for the environment.
- Despite what some members of the Jury felt was a rather vague architectural approach, they all appreciated the project's attractive, human and accessible character, right from the main entrance to the exterior via a generous forecourt. This space encourages outdoor gatherings and public support for Espace Rivière.
- The project's potential positive social impact is well felt.
- Its interior and exterior organization provides a lively setting visible from the street, reinforcing its inviting character.
- The Jury questioned the imposing massing of the building and its considerable footprint, occupying almost the entire available site. Some members of the Jury deplored the cut with boulevard Perras created by the lowering of the floor, and the occupation of spaces in the basement that need natural lighting.
- The open parking lot and partially blind wall create a disconnect with the adjacent school.
- Although the rendering submitted by the finalist team is difficult to visualize, the use of masonry is judicious for the integration of the building in this area.
- This project is best suited to northern conditions, with its forecourt and roof terrace sheltered from the wind, making it suitable for winter use.
- The Carrefour features a simple, generous atrium with an interesting sense of organized chaos and appropriate signage. It is an invitation to stroll, relax and wander. However, the Jury wonders about the confusion created by the abundance of diverse elements present in this atrium, and how all these elements will age over time.
- This generous atrium does, however, create complex circulations and rather cramped spaces on the upper floors, as well as some concerns about the acoustic performance of this volume.
- The playful approach of the proposal invites exploration and interior strolling. The arrangement of colourful staircases encourages discovery in the pleasure of an undefined journey.
- The Jury underlines the good control of calm and dynamic spaces. It particularly appreciated the ambience of the Pôle Famille and the terrace accessible from the café area.
- The location of the auditorium makes it difficult to get there. Opinions are divided on this point. On the one hand, the route allows visitors to discover the site, and its positioning, near the wooded area, is appropriate according to the Jury. On the other hand, from the main entrance, the destination is rather remote, with a winding route.
- A number of adjustments are required to optimize the functionality of the site, particularly for the Pôle des arts de la scène.
- The team dared to apply exemplary sustainable development measures. However, it would have been desirable to see more interdisciplinary work in this area.
- This is the only project that proposes to preserve the structure of the existing building. Although this decision may have a negative impact on the flexibility of the site, the Jury underlines this responsible gesture, as well as the recycling of deconstruction materials. The structural strategy adopted brings several technical challenges to bear.
- This finalist demonstrated the budgetary feasibility of his project, in line with the city's requirements.
Open discussions
- The evolution of the conceptual approach in the first stage is less marked, as the project was already very well defined.
- The diversified colouring brings an undeniable warmth to the project.
- The circulation is complex but interesting in certain respects.
- The auditorium is well positioned.
- The large atrium means that spaces are rather cramped in some places.
- The overall user experience is much appreciated.
- The barrier between the building and boulevard Perras is recreated by the cavity in the floor, but the generous, well-lit forecourt can balance this link with the street.
- The sustainable development measures applied are appreciated.
- The designer's signature is well suited to the Borough's identity.
- The four-storey vertical brick lines are imposing.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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