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Soccerplex Collège Esther-Blondin
By : TLA Architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Communication & Branding
Categories : Environmental Design / Signage : Bronze Certification
The Esther-Blondin College (CEB) has once again entrusted TLA, this time for the realization of its Soccerplex. Similar to the Arts Pavilion and Sports Pavilion completed in 2011, the CEB wished to have facilities that promote academic success as well as physical activity.
The main design challenge was to reconcile all the client’s required uses within a longitudinal and angular building. With the aim of keeping construction costs low, the architect recommended a simple volume, but energized at the level of the façade. To achieve this, an angular volume was added to mark the main entrance and break the monotony of the main block. This pronounced angle defines the architectural signature and serves as a premise for the signage concept.
Space planning
The layout revolves around a 50m x 100m synthetic soccer field located on the ground floor. The playing surface can be divided into 3 distinct fields according to the needs and is equipped with adjacent changing rooms and a waiting area for match transitions. The first level focuses on sports activities with the addition of multipurpose rooms allowing for the practice of other disciplines including a dojo, a dance hall and a training room for triathlon, including an adjacent locker area. In the spirit of creating inclusive schools that are open to their communities, the facilities allow for the hosting of large-scale sporting events and the rental of surfaces outside of class hours.
The second floor focuses more on the public with the event area, while a large-scale architectural staircase allows spectators to quickly access this level from the main entrance. Bench-seating located at the center of the playing surface provides excellent visibility of the field while private lounges are located at both ends. In addition, an overflow foyer adds flexibility during gatherings.
A concept promoting a sense of belonging
The sports-oriented nature of the new pavilion called for highlighting the College’s graphic identity and nurturing a sense of pride in the institution. Furthermore, it seemed appropriate to integrate the colors of the CEB’s sports teams in order to foster a sense of pride and to define a strong, shared link between the users. Highlighting the teams thus serves to promote skills, mutual aid, group efficiency, and self-esteem. In order to encourage the creation of positive social relationships, common spaces have been punctuated with areas that encourage exchanges and sharing, which contributes to improving team performance and synergy. For example, the area of the benches outside the locker rooms, the waiting area, the private lounges, and the foyer allow for socialization and the sharing of knowledge.
A wayfinding strategy unifying the spaces
The multiple uses required the creation of clear visual landmarks to create a coherent link between the spaces. Drawing inspiration from the angular layout of the building, sector names were placed diagonally on the walls, and from these titles, bands of colors or materials emerge, creating a tangible guiding thread to direct users. The changing rooms are identified by large numbers on both the field and corridor sides.
Finally, the standout element of the design is undoubtedly the imposing yellow volume that houses the seating area of the stadium, which is also repeated in the corridors to create a visual connection between the field and the common spaces. The classrooms, on the other hand, are distinguished by a black volume visible on both floors, for quick identification of the different sectors.
In short, the new Soccerplex allows CEB to promote healthy lifestyles with modern facilities that foster socialization and a sense of community among users.
Collaboration
Interior Designer : TLA Architectes
Engineering : CLA Experts-conseils
