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Expansion of Paul-Gérin-Lajoie secondary school in Outremont
By : PRISME architecture
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Heritage Enhancement : Bronze Certification
Categories : Public Building / School & Preschool Education Building : Silver Certification
L’école Paul-Gérin-Lajoie d’Outremont, located in the heart of the charming community of Outremont in Montreal, is a high school that embodies the academic excellence and cultural diversity that characterize Quebec’s heritage. Founded with an innovative and progressive vision, the school bears the name of Paul Gérin-Lajoie, a pioneer of Quebec education and a staunch advocate of access to education for all.
Since its inception, École Paul-Gérin-Lajoie has been committed to providing a educational stimulating and inclusive environment where every student is encouraged to flourish and reach his or her full potential. In addition to its commitment to academic excellence and cultural diversity, École Paul-Gérin-Lajoie also places great importance on the well-being of its students.
However, faced with demographic growth and a lack of structure and classrooms, the Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys commissioned the PRISME architecture firm to carry out an expansion and redevelopment of the existing building, thus proposing a more spacious school able to meet the needs of its occupants.
Paul-Gérin-Lajoie, a school with a strong heritage value
Outremont’s Paul-Gérin-Lajoie school occupies a special place in the neighborhood, not only as a renowned educational institution, but also as a building heritage that embodies the community’s history and identity. Its heritage value has been recognized according to the City of Outremont’s Bisson Report Sheet (rating of 2 out of 5 – 1 being of exceptional value). Nestled in the heart of Montreal’s historic quartier of Outremont, the school is much more than just a place of learning; it’s a true architectural treasure that bears witness to Quebec’s rich cultural heritage.
The architecture of the Paul-Gérin Lajoie school, corresponds to the period of transition, between the classical and modern periods. Whereas traditionally designed schools often featured symmetrical facades, a monumental staircase leading up to the main entrance, hierarchical storeys (plinth, wall and coping) and ornamental stone insertions (pediments, keystones and carved motifs), modern schools belonging to the so-called « transitional » period present a vocabulary generally in ruptures with the codes of the past, without however expressing flamboyant modernity. The composition of the school’s facades is distinguished by its rigor, sobriety and functionality. The horizontality of the volumes and elements that make up the façade embodies the aestheticism of the transitional period, as well as unifying the various existing extensions.
So as a heritage building, the Paul-Gérin-Lajoie school is of particular importance to the community. It embodies the values and traditions that have shaped the region’s identity and provides a tangible link with the past. Its preservation and restoration are therefore of paramount importance in preserving the community’s cultural and historical heritage.
The architectural concept, the Quebec signature
The architecture of the existing Paul-Gérin Lajoie school corresponds to the so-called transition period, and the composition of its facades is distinguished by its rigor, sobriety and functionality. The project was for expansion and refurbishment, the main need for which, responding to that of contemporary high schools, was to build a 23x32m double gymnasium, which freed up the existing palestra for conversion into a grouping space with lockers and a dining area. As the extension mainly included new regular classrooms, the redevelopment of the existing included the conversion of classrooms into laboratory classrooms, which were missing from the existing school.
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The new extension comprises 2 floors with basement. It forms a link with the existing school at its end at the corner of Bloomfield and St-Viateur, connecting the sports programming present in the basement in both annexes. The basement of the extension is set at the same level as the existing basement, due to the constraint of the rock present near the ground surface. The levels of the upper floors are offset with the levels of the existing building, but unified by a hall (maximum 150 m2 by code) that acts as an interface between the two portions of the building, with a cast concrete firewall integrated at the interface of the hall and the extension.
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The new lobby volume is set back and inserted behind the existing exit cage of great heritage value, in order to enhance and conserve it in the proposal. The existing exit cage canopy is retained and extended towards the new gymnasium volume, which is widely fenestrated, allowing maximum light entry. The entrance is emphasized asymmetrically in this way, and an outdoor space featuring bleachers is created on the façade, allowing a little outdoor student life and creating a public square on the scale of the neighborhood. Brick is used again for the classroom volumes, and the horizontal effect is enhanced by the artificial stone stringcourse encircling the windows.
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Particular attention has been paid to the functionality and ergonomics of the spaces, ensuring that they meet the specific needs of students and staff. Versatile classrooms, modern laboratories, welcoming communal spaces and outdoor relaxation areas have been carefully designed to promote learning, collaboration and the well-being of occupants.
A special attention has been paid to the functionality and ergonomics of the spaces, ensuring that they meet the specific needs of students and staff alike.
A stimulating, user-scaled environment
Below the traditional exterior lies a bold, innovative vision. The architects have integrated modern, functional elements that meet the educational needs of the 21st century. Large windows flood the classrooms with natural light, creating an environment conducive to learning and creativity. The assembly hall is designed as a large space with indoor bleachers that can be used both for viewing sports games taking place in the gymnasium, for gathering at lunchtime and as a multi-purpose classroom. The upstairs corridor houses alcoves for work, concentration or intervention. They can be used by speakers for a specific intervention or by students for team work.
The architecture of Outremont’s Paul-Gérin-Lajoie school has been carefully designed to promote the well-being of its occupants, creating an environment conducive to learning, creativity and personal development. Every aspect of the architectural design has been thought through with particular attention to the needs of students, teaching staff and administrative personnel, to create a space that inspires, motivates and supports.
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The school buildings are characterized by luminous and ventilated spaces that invite concentration and reflection. Large windows let in natural light, creating a chalant and dynamic atmosphere in classrooms, corridors and common areas. This abundance of natural light not only helps reduce eyestrain, but also improves occupants’ mood and productivity.
The interior spaces are also designed to encourage collaboration and social interaction. Flexible classrooms, open common areas and relaxation spaces invite students to work together, exchange ideas and forge bonds. An appropriate choice of colors is offered to make the students’ living environment playful and stimulating. Different colors are used to differentiate zones and classrooms. The sub-places that are created in the layout are colorful and dynamic, and give users a sense of belonging to the space and their school.
Parallel to this, the school’s architecture incorporates elements of nature and greenery that contribute to the physical and mental well-being of occupants. Indoor gardens, green spaces and outdoor courtyards offer places of rejuvenation and relaxation where students can unwind and reconnect with nature. Studies have shown that the presence of vegetation can reduce stress, improve concentration and stimulate creativity, making it an essential element of wellness-oriented architectural design. The volume of the new building creates an outdoor courtyard enclosed on 3 sides. The courtyard features a fitness area with outdoor fitness equipment. There is also a dining area with picnic tables and small trees, as well as an outdoor tennis table. A new parking lot is created along rue Querbes, with a new basketball court nearby. In a vision of sharing with the neighborhood, the new facilities are also accessible to the community.
A sustainable school with a focus on eco-responsibility
Aware of the environmental impact of construction and concerned with preserving natural resources for future generations, architects commit to a resolute sustainable and eco-responsible approach with each of their projects, and the Paul-Gérin-Lajoie school is no exception. The project took a holistic approach to sustainability, starting with the design and management of its infrastructure. The existing building was renovated and the extension designed to meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and resource conservation. Initiatives such as the installation of energy-efficient geothermal and ventilation shafts, the use of sustainable building materials and the implementation of waste management programs have reduced the school’s ecological footprint.
Collaboration
Architect : PRISME architecture
Landscape Architecture : DUBUC Architectes paysagistes
Landscape Architecture : DUBUC Architectes paysagistes
Other : Jean-Marc Caron & associés inc.
Other : Passerelles Coopérative en patrimoine
