An area marked by major changes
The history of the site where the Soccer Complex is located is marked by change and evolution. From its very beginnings as a large mining center, then as a landfill site, man has taken control of the topography and symbolism of the site. The site is now destined to become one of the largest parks in the city of Montreal. Our intervention proposes to keep traces of the artificial topography that represents it. We propose to create a building that adds a mineral stratum to the site - recalling the geological nature of the site - and symbolizing its new activity: sports activity.
A building that transforms
"The competition aims to promote a formal, functional and visual fluidity between spaces."
The scale of the site requires an architectural gesture that is commensurate with a vast territory: not an accumulation of interventions, but a single gesture, the transformation of a single element that translates the uniqueness of the form. The roof stratum is initially horizontal and forms a cantilever that clearly marks the Plaza and the entrance to the Center and invites users inside. It overlooks the bike racks and the car/bus drop-off, which are thus sheltered from the weather, and provides a true gathering space for the SMEC park. The roof then transforms to house the indoor soccer field, and then lowers and turns in on itself to accommodate the future phase 2 of the project and integrate the outdoor soccer bleachers.
A unique structural element
To ensure unity of form, the structure is presented as a single structural gesture in cross-laminated wood. The cells of the framework form a seemingly arbitrary grid and multiply for increased support in areas where the structure is under greater stress along the lines of force. These are the same cells - the same material - that make up the entrance cantilever, the roof of the interior court, and the surface of the future exterior bleachers.
Sun exposure is a primary concern
The public and administrative areas are completely glazed. The sports volume, on the other hand, needs to be protected from direct sunlight exposure. The functions that do not require natural lighting, such as the locker rooms, the mechanical rooms and the storage spaces, are inserted against the mound that runs along Papineau Avenue. The administrative and public spaces are located just above the locker rooms and benefit from natural light, which is controlled by the roof overhang and filtered by the presence of mature trees that follow the façade.
Sustainability integrated into all aspects of the design
We aim to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the design. This approach will continue throughout the construction, operation and maintenance of the sports facility. We plan to meet a large majority of the LEED® Gold criteria, including rainwater harvesting and retention (water catchers), indoor air quality (ventilation system) and the use of healthy, recycled and regional materials (especially for the wood used in the structure), energy as well as the control of the construction site to educate local youth, users and students of the nearby institutions. As recommended by the city, by the location of our building and by adopting protective measures, we aim to preserve the maximum number of noble trees on the site.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
"A pavilion in the park, with a simple and strong architectural identity."
The concept proposes a pavilion in a park, a large floating wooden roof covering the play activities; this structure deforms to come and support the outdoor bleachers. It provides a lively dialogue about the city, one of the issues of the project.
The jury appreciated the simplicity and elegance of the gesture; the use of wood is perfectly integrated into the concept. The use of the embankment along Papineau Boulevard creates an open façade on the café. The result is a building with a strong identity and presence in the city.
The project proposes a volumetric integration of phase 2, through the extension of the roof structure; this approach reinforces the identity effect of the project.
The floating roof approach involves very large glass surfaces on the three (3) facades, which concerns the jury in terms of thermal comfort, light control and LEED Gold.
The jury deplores the narrow scale of the entrance and the lack of space in the lobby; the interior functioning is questionable and the circulation needs to be resized.
The jury questions the effectiveness of the user/park relationship; the bay window on the quarry side is far from the spectators and visibility seems obstructed by the proposed sunshade system, which is not relevant in this orientation.
The notion of transparency must be maintained because it is the strength of the project; on the other hand, it raises questions about costs and the LEED Gold criteria.
The jury had strong questions about the structure, both the roof and the columns and bracing; this aspect is not developed to the jury's satisfaction. The way in which the mechanics are integrated into the roof structure raised further questions; the answers offered were not convincing to the jury.
The jury notes that none of the projects offers a functional solution, the desire for identity that is clearly mentioned in the program, and the respect of the budget.
The jury, aware of the budgetary context and the comments made during the jury, proposes the winner Saucier Perrotte/Hughes Condon Marler with a series of recommendations essential to the development of the sketch, including
- reducing glazing to improve energy efficiency
- improving the relationship with the quarry side;
- make only one side of the outdoor bleachers, on the city side, and plan for its future connection
- redesign the entrance and lobby;
- define the structure while maintaining the transparency effect.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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