COMPLEXITY & Contradiction
Re-completing the cloister - The emblematic addition (respecting both height and scale of the Vieux Séminaire), rises up from the ashes of its predecessor, but uses modern materials and methods of construction. Essentially a 'glass box', the emblematic addition's refined and light-filled transparency is intended to evoke the enlightened democratic thought, didacticism, and updated modernist ideals of this century.
Two intertwined conceptual strategies:
1. Restore symmetry in the courtyard.
This façade 'rebalancing' will create a classical sense of directional hierarchy, or of promenade, ultimately re-emphasizing entrance.
2. Complementary / contradictory polemic.
The light, but ultra-modern reflecting glass 'jewel-box' addition is respectfully intended to be understood in contrast, and yet be complementary in scale and form to the existing autarchy and austere heritage ensemble.
Programmatically, a 350-seat auditorium is located below grade, at level 01. Meanwhile above grade, at level 1, the light-filled and partially double-height public 'multi-use' space is located. This very open and public space, or 'agora' (laid with Québec maple flooring),
is designed to elegantly host informal critiques, architectural exhibitions (both school and/or community), and otherwise facilitate a forum for further architectural discourse. At level 2, are located much needed computer laboratories/spaces/classes. Finally, the architectural library, under the soft ambient lighting of clerestory skylights, is on level 3.
The two main entrances, one at Rue Sainte-Famille, and the other facing the south parking lot at Rue Port-Dauphin, are demarcated and reinforced by an art installation or 'archi-tectonic' sculpture.
The front installation at the Rue Sainte-Famille entrance is intended to convey a colourful & festive feel, complementary and in keeping with the pedestrian-friendly nature of its surrounding context - in this case, "Puppy", 1992 by Jeff Koons. In contrast, the installation at the south parking lot (used by staff and students) is intended to convey a more somber and mature mood - in this case, "The Thinker", 1902 by Auguste Rodin. However, at either location, any other appropriate character installation or sculpture may be utilized.
(competitor's text)
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