ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT
HYPERPARC will be the highlight of the Pôle Gadbois. A new, centralizing public space, on a human scale as much as for the Sud-Ouest borough, and even for the Quebec sports landscape.
The project's architecture reconciles the series of previous expansions while embodying a new presence, an inviting identity for citizens with active lifestyles. The following issues were key to our creative process:
- The importance of the legibility of the interior route for users and the functionality of the spaces;
- The large surface area of the triple gymnasium and palestra, to the detriment of green spaces;
- The need for natural light only in the upper part of the sports facilities;
- Variation in the clear height of the gymnastics palestra (from 7 to 9 m for the trampoline);
- The impact of snow loads on existing facilities when overhead volumes are created;
- The impact of demolition on existing installations (upgrades to comply with standards, seismic reinforcements, etc.).
Topographical building in symbiosis with landscape architecture
Drawing inspiration from the site's natural topography, which slopes down to the former course of the Saint-Pierre River, our proposal goes beyond preserving the existing park area. Not only does it transform the site into a veritable green lung for the neighborhood, it also creates a resilient park. This topographical concept, made possible by the partial undergrounding of the program and the extension of Parc Gadbois onto the green roofs, enables the emergence of a HYPERPARC. The topography links the south entrance on the first floor to the new east entrance on the garden level, and provides access to the palestra roof leading to the new spectator entrance.
All along the outdoor route through the gardens, stops are planned to allow visitors to bask, practice on outdoor sports equipment or learn about the historical context of the site. The Ville de Montréal's photographic archives have confirmed that the site of the former gasometer lies beneath the existing double gymnasium and the adjacent parking lot. Where appropriate, the recovered remains could be integrated into the landscaping as part of a historical interpretation trail along the top of the extension. Strategically located high above the roof of the palestra, the trail will integrate the historical markers of the surrounding landscape, including the Lachine Canal, the Saint-Pierre collector and its former river, the eastern boundary of the Saint-Jacques cliff and the area's industrial past. Its outdoor location makes it easily accessible.
The green roof will remain accessible at all times to Parc Gadbois users (during park opening hours). However, a controlled access will be provided at the top of the roof, to secure access to the spectator entrance outside center opening hours. This access will still allow emergency evacuation from the floor.
At the top of HYPERPARC, the horizon unfolds. The Lachine Canal, Woonerf Saint-Pierre, the neighbourhoods and the Turcot interchange are all in view. Here, like in sports, access is universal.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Arguments in favor of the proposal
• A bold urban integration demonstrating a strong vision based on renewal rather than mimicry.
• The proposal features distinctive and unique architecture. Its main green roof, which is open to the public, is a major point of interest in the area.
• The intention to showcase heritage is clear, even in the details.
• The sports platforms are not stacked on top of each other. This design choice allows the complex to remain on a human scale.
• The unification of the bleachers on the different platforms creates an interesting and practical circulation loop on the upper level.
• The east-west circulation axis provides access to all the sports facilities in the complex.
• Overall, the needs are well served.
• The structural proposal is interesting.
• Innovative ideas are proposed, for example, keeping the excavated soil on site, thus avoiding the need to transport it.
• Overall, the budgetary feasibility is demonstrated.
Arguments against the proposal
• The actual use of the green roof is questionable due to the noise environment and pollution generated by adjacent highway traffic.
• The whiteness of the exterior cladding is not suited to Montreal and particularly to the site. In addition, increased maintenance is to be expected.
• The large encroachment into the park is not really offset by the creation of an accessible green roof, as its sloped design does not allow for the same range of recreational activities as a flat surface would.
• The steps in the park also limit its potential uses.
• The east entrance is set back and rather difficult to identify.
• The spread of the sports fields increases walking distances.
• Several interior access ramps are being retained, and general circulation remains complex.
Jury reservations
• The proposal is charming, but the jury questions whether the architectural ensemble conveys the identity of a sports center.
• The real benefit of this concept for the project as a whole has not been demonstrated.
• The program is difficult to integrate into the adopted concept, creating certain functional irritants.
• The tiered interior agora is interesting but could pose safety issues.
• A lack of maintenance of the green roofs, due to a lack of resources, could alter their desired appearance.
• Only one of the two north-south routes has been resolved at the ground floor level, namely the one leading to the swimming pool.
• The measures implemented to achieve LEED Silver certification are sufficient, but with the minimum number of LEED points required. The volume created is not compact.
• Burying the gymnasium underground may require increased waterproofing measures for the foundations, given the high water table.
• If the excavated soil is contaminated, it cannot be deposited on uncontaminated soil on the site.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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