With this project, the architects wanted to evoke the circus world by resorting to the dreamlike images of childhood. In this way, they wanted to give this new building an element of fascination, mystery and also wonder.
The architects of this project saw a connection between the site chosen for the new school and the goals of the circus company. In both cases, the goal was to reinvent a more beautiful world. It was therefore necessary to reinvent the circus while redefining the landscape.
For the Lapointe Magne et associés team, this school was a crucial link in the development of the old quarry. The school had to be a symbolic building, serving as a landmark, a signature and a focal point on the site, allowing the Cité des Arts du Cirque to be identified from a distance.
To achieve a significant height, the designers chose to form a hard core in the center of the building by superimposing the different gymnasiums. Thus, in the new building, the broadcasting spaces are located in the center below, while the academic and administrative spaces are located on the perimeter.
Urban strategy:
A compact and elevated layout will be chosen to contrast with the horizontal extent of the quarry. The building will serve as a symbol seen from the Metropolitan Highway and as a gateway to the site. The school stands out from the surrounding urban fabric. It is an adventure, an experience out of the ordinary.
Functional strategy:
Interior circulation is via a series of ramps. Lifts serve the large rooms. Walkways, stairs and passenger elevators serve the office floors and classrooms.
Budget Strategy:
The budget was optimized through a variety of strategies: massing that minimized footprint and foundation quantities, a simple rectangular form that reduced exterior envelope areas, repetition of standard elements, and minimal interior finishes. The choice was also made to locate the mechanical services in close proximity to the spaces being served. In addition, geothermal techniques, increased use of natural ventilation techniques and use of the building mass for heating and cooling were chosen.
(CCC text)
The jury was very sensitive to the following architectural elements:
-the intelligence and simplicity of the concept both in the gesture and in the principles of construction;
-the architectural transposition of verticality and the vestige; the treatment of the void which illustrates the risk of the circus;
-the visibility and understanding of the essence of the School from the outside thanks to its extreme porosity and transparency;
-the interpretation by the emptiness of the big top, located in the heart of the School;
-the strength of the interior/exterior game and its relationship in different modes with the natural and urban environment;
-the quality of the visual interrelations present at all levels of the School and between the different sectors
-the respect of the budget.
The jury makes the following comments for the continuation of the file:
-re-evaluate the final height of the project;
-ensure flexibility in the horizontal relationships between the hive and the studios;
-re-evaluate the floors of the hive to increase the interaction between the pedagogical and administrative areas;
-rebalance the exterior landscaping due to the maintenance required by the water basins;
-revalidate the south-facing orientation with respect to Jarry Street.
Technical Committee Report (July 9, 2001)
Program and Functionality:
-The split into two blocks and polarization impacts the dynamics of the School.
-Bonus spaces are out of program and allow for expansion.
-The instructional department is distant from the teachers.
-The subdivision of the same function on multiple levels accentuates circulation.
-The agora is well placed in continuity with the broadcast studio.
-The documentation center is accessible from the public entrance by elevator.
-The cafeteria is well located near a terrace and student services.
-The design promotes visual relationships between functions.
-The stacking of two studios is contrary to the program request.
Area:
Concept:9,100 m2 gross
Net-to-gross ratio of : 64
A surplus of : 2,000 m2 including podium, indoor marquee and one level of free floor space.
Technical analysis:
-Simple structure.
-Standard concrete construction and curtain walls.
-Important mechanics to integrate due to the volume to be treated.
-Acoustic treatment to be controlled due to the central void.
-Complex façade maintenance due to sunshades.
-Maintenance of the outdoor pool demanding.
Environmental architecture:
-The envelope is simple and compact.
-Glass walls are very abundant; sunshades may be less effective due to large glass area and solar gain.
-The chimney effect to ventilate the central void is effective; at night, the heating load remains high.
-The geothermal system is a valid principle but expensive because of the volume to be treated.
-Materials have not been clearly defined from an environmental perspective.
-Innovativeness is standard; proposed ideas are incorporated into the design in an embryonic way.
Urbanism:
-The building height of 42.2 m exceeds the 23 m permitted by the current municipal bylaw.
-The angled orientation is at odds with the surrounding urban fabric.
Cost/Estimation:
-Reported cost: $14,883,000
-Estimated Cost: $15,452,300
The reasons for the difference between the two estimates are primarily mechanical and the large amount of glazing.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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