The Champs De Mars for the 21st Century
Conception
When I first began to think about the given site the first thing I noticed were the layers and layers of emptiness. The surrounding government buildings were perceived as a dense wall around this area bounded to the north by the AutoRoute. These building blocks of society surrounded the site. This government block would have a perfect completion with the addition of another institution type development that would fill this phisical as well as spiritual emptiness.
Judgement and application of the law seem to be the only factors that were considered important. But the counterbalance of this measure is goodness. Too much goodness is also detrimental as well as too much judgment. The proper measure of both creates the perfect balance to the ultimate growth of a society.
The emptiness filled with existence
I propose the foundation of a new institution. One that would be the synthesis of its surroundings in function. That is, a blend between the impersonal government institution and the communication network represented by the former river and AutoRoute.
This goal to this inner growth, would be reached by creating a learning center. One that would be a well structured charitable institution as well as a place to take in some knowledge.
The Structure
The initial ideal was to create a set of pavilions each specializing and focusing on different sense of the body all would have a similar architectural as well as conceptual ideas.
The Belvedere
The belvedere would be the key building for the existence of the institution. It will be the administration, the piece of the puzzle that gives life and character to the following structures.
Its design was guided by geometric and regular forms that convey the structured administrative process of the institution. Columns and bricks would give a certain formality to the building. The blend of materials suggest the different type of activities and the glowing top floor will emit a playful image to the building radiating onto the surrounding.
The 'kitchen': A Dedication to Taste
The pavilion would be separated into two functions a little restaurant and the actual kitchen. The public would be able to take cooking classes or just come in and cook for a couple of hours on the top floors and then the food can be sold on the ground floor. The money generated from the activity would serve to keep the center alive as well as be a source of charity income. The skills acquired and the giving from oneself would be the experience.
Architecturally, the transparent ground floor will draw the people from as well as animate St. Antoine Street. The more opaque top floors is the 'institution' where the actual learning would take place. The institutional stairs as well as the clear order of the building give a sense of trust and strength of the place. Details give an architectural flavor to the building.
The 'studio': A Dedication to Touch
The second building works in much of the same level as the kitchen, leading to the same goals but though different means. It would focus on the creative arts. A place of creation of little gifties. Where the main creation is not of food but of material goods. Little practical objects, easy and fun to make would be the main activity of this pavilion. Again, classes would be given at the first and second floor. And the products would be sold at the ground floor shop that will also animate the street façade.
The 'Learning Center': A Dedication to the future
This pavilion would be a learning center, a place where lectures would be given and where one on one learning is possible. It would be equipped with small classes. The ground floor would be a library/ book store.
All buildings have the same interior and conceptual organization. That is they all have a monumental stair on the exterior and an inner core stair. Conceptually, ground floor's are commercial with the learning center on top.
images to come.....