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Centre de recherche en ophtalmologie
By : DMA architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 14th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Special Award / Building Conversion & Recycling (Rebirth Project) : Silver Certification
Categories : Public Building / Higher Education & Research Building : Bronze Certification
The project at 5690 Rosemont consists of converting a convent into a research centre dedicated to ophthalmology and bio-photonics for the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Foundation. This ambitious transformation brought on several challenges. Structural reinforcements and a seismic retrofitting consolidate the concrete structure of this convent, which had already evolved over four construction phases. A full-storey mechanical penthouse was added to the building in order to accommodate the mechanical equipment to meet the substantial requirements for research laboratories while also transforming the building's exterior. The integration of the electromechanical systems necessary for this type of use was successfully achieved despite a limited floor height in the existing building. Finally, the performance of the building’s envelope was improved, and the windows were entirely replaced. The interior layout welcomes six large main research laboratories, other laboratories including clean rooms and tissue culture rooms, a large conference room, administrative spaces and the researchers'/assistants' offices. The spacious entrance hall marked double-height space created by an opening in the existing slab, puts forward the new function of the research centre, as does the exterior vestibule, in the shape of a simple transparent cube, letting the original facade remain the primary focus. All these interventions highlight the building’s new vocation while preserving the convent appearance.
Collaboration
Architect : DMA architectes
Engineering : WSP Ingénierie
Engineering : Pageau Morel et Associés
General Contractor : Pomerleau
