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École primaire Cardinal-Léger

By : PRISME architecture + Leclerc architectes

GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition

Discipline : Interior Design

Categories : Education, Institution & Healthcare / Elementary School & Kindergarten : Gold Certification

Categories : Special Awards / Interior Design +Wood : Gold Certification

Categories : Special Awards / Interior Design + Colour : Platinum Winner

Categories : Special Awards / Interior Design + Lighting : Gold Certification

Categories : Special Awards / Kids zone : Platinum Winner

Following the exceptional growth of the Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Service Center\’s clientele, the expansion of Cardinal-Léger Elementary School, located in the heart of Montreal\’s St. Laurent borough, was necessary as was the rearrangement of some of the existing building\’s space.

The original building was designed in the early 1950s and expanded shortly thereafter, subtly maintaining the same style as the original. The new addition is in continuity with the existing building, extending into the existing schoolyard. The design of the facades supports the contrast of materials already present on the existing school by the bright red flashings and yellow brick. The integration of red is done by a monochromatic variation making the contrast between yellow and red softer. This coloring accentuates the signage of the new entrance and the gym, while providing a playful and dynamic architectural facture in the image of the users and the school of tomorrow. The use of gold/beige cladding echoes the existing brick with a more elongated modulation and slight variation in color, providing some texture. The new addition is modern in design and allows for the enhancement of the existing school\’s unique features.

The design of the school addition was planned to easily allow for community use of the athletic spaces outside of school hours. Circulation, access controls and service rooms allow the sharing of the sports block to neighborhood citizens. Thus, through the location of secure doors, direct locker room/gymnasium/entrance links, these spaces can easily be isolated from the rest of the school and thus ensure the safety of the premises outside of \’\’teaching\’\’ hours.

Maximum natural light has been provided in almost every space. The windows of the gym were oriented mostly to the southwest for greater brightness, enhanced with a beautiful row of trees to densify the plant screen and thus avoid glare for young athletes. The colored glass, which matches the interior colors, creates a stimulating environment for the youth. Thus, even though the gym is located at the basement level, it is bathed in light through the curtain wall bays located at the top of its walls.

With regard to the materials, we opted for the use of wood in the \’\’public\’\’ areas of the school, to benefit as many users as possible. This includes the gymnasium for the main structural beams and acoustic wall panels, as well as the main corridors and library. The use of suspended acoustic wood ceilings accentuates the framing of the circulation core and enhances the ambiance with its warmth.

Finally, the choice of colors was intended to bring a beautiful dynamic around the common spaces, a sense of comfort and well-being, allowing for maximum tranquility for the children. The exterior colors continue inside to energize the common living spaces in a punctual way, throughout the project. To these warm colors is added a palette of blue-green allowing an easier location in the school. The colors of the alcoves located the library or in the corridors bring a feeling of comfort, well-being and relaxation, a desired feeling allowing to offer the children a maximum of tranquility.

Collaboration

Architect : PRISME architecture

Architect : Leclerc architectes

Engineering : Bouthillette Parizeau

Engineering : GBI

Photographer : Joël Gingras

General Contractor : Corporation Germano

Artist : Jennifer Lefort

Manufacturer - Distributor : Soprema

Manufacturer - Distributor : CGC

Manufacturer - Distributor : Armstrong

Manufacturer - Distributor : Decolam