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Centre sportif Claude-Beaulieu
By : Poirier Fontaine Architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Public Building / Sports & Leisure Building : Silver Certification
The Centre Sportif Claude-Beaulieu is instrumental in shaping the identity of Saint-Jérôme’s recreational hub. Comprising two large volumes, the complex expands the city’s programming with the addition of a 95 metre x 57 metre indoor soccer field soccer field with multiple configurations (also divisible into 2 or 3 smaller fields), a dedicated space for gymnastics, a café, observation spaces, a boutique, offices, and a variety of multipurpose rooms. It highlights sports and leisure activities in a coherent and dynamic architectural composition, respectful of the existing built environment and conscientious of the environmental responsibility that any public building must reflect.
The arrangement of the large sports volumes on the narrow site is the main generator of the building’s form. By placing the soccer volume at the extremity of the site, sports action is revealed immediately upon arrival and more largely announces the entry to the recreational hub. On the opposite side, the gymnastics volume is placed to follow the orientation of the nearby hockey arena. The public entry hall, multipurpose rooms, and observation areas occupy the interstitial space between the two.
The simple volumes of the centre facilitate the reading of the primary sports programs inside and demonstrate a simple play of shadows and light. The choice of a smooth, metallic envelope of this massing generates a play of depth that contrasts with the textured masonry of the lower volume.
The verticality of the facades is echoed on the interior with corrugated metal cladding. The interior of the athletic spaces remains white to maximize natural light diffusion and create a contrast with the public spaces which incorporate vibrant colors, inspired by the competition jerseys of soccer and gymnastics clubs.
From the onset of the project, natural daylighting was a priority for all spaces. Normally dark spaces, the indoor sports programs benefit from high clerestory windows. This offers an enhanced experience for both athletes and spectators, all while reducing energy consumption associated with artificial lighting. Similarly, the locker rooms are provided with ample translucent glazing through full height windows which further animate the façade.
The largely glazed entrance hall is a double-height space with a warm wood ceiling that guides visitors to the observation area on the upper floor. The observation area opens onto both the hall, the stands, and the indoor pitch. Similarly, the glazed multipurpose rooms are afforded visual links with surrounding programs, all while displaying the building’s diverse activities.
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