The first consideration is to anchor the auditorium to the city of L'Assomption through symbolic references such as the portage, the vegetal bracket, the arrow belt and the shoreline stone field. This translates into a building whose exterior volume "is that of an overturned boat (the roof), carried across the site by men (the X-shaped structures)". At the rear, the parking lot becomes a stone field and "the landing dock is transformed into an outdoor stage."
The program is articulated around "a work of staging at several scales and several times, which takes into account day and night activities, related to the spectacle, to urban life, to work". The importance is given to the relationship "Seeing and being seen", to the sense of the game and the show. A square/stage (large stone disc) "linking the exterior and interior, breaks the limits of the foyer". The theater becomes an object whose "wooden volume" is enthroned "in the center of the show, distinct and legible". The enlargement of the room is achieved by the deployment of the foyer, itself made possible by the unfolding of a glass curtain.
(From the project presentation booklet)
(Unofficial automated translation)
The jury appreciated the boldness of the firm's proposal despite certain reservations about the relevance of the symbolism referred to in the architectural forms.
The jury considered that, notwithstanding its construction, the project succeeded in integrating itself into the city through the generosity of its protected forecourt, the openness of its foyer, the transparency of the lobby, the appropriate scale along Marsan Street and the sobriety of its forms; one can thus perceive a different but very pertinent reading of what characterizes the surrounding urban fabric as well as a translation of the essential elements of L'Assomption within a unifying framework.
The general volumetry of the project and the proportions of the foyer seemed to some to be out of proportion and the proportions of the building would benefit from being tightened. The generous projection of the eaves risks creating a somewhat dark exterior space during the day; at night, however, the transparency of the wall will allow generous illumination. The proportions of this space, even if they seem excessive to some, could, according to others, be dressed and inhabited to reflect the dynamism of the regional cultural milieu.
Sensitive to the innovative aspect of the proposal, to the qualities of its architectural language, to the dynamism of its forms, the jury recommends that a special mention be given to this project which, if it did not have all the assets to convince of its necessary presence in L'Assomption, has raised an essential questioning on the form of a cultural facility in the region.
(From jury report, following the meeting held on November 29, 1996, cf: Beaupré Archives)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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