'COMPLEXE SPORTIF SAINT LAURENT' by SAUCIER PERROTTE ARCHITECTES/HCMA

The project site is situated between the existing Émile Legault School and Raymond Bourque Arena, both of which are horizontal in form and neutral in character. For this project, it thus became vital for the design of new sports complex to create a visual and physical link between the Marcel Laurin Park (to the north of the site), and the projected green band that will run along Thimens Boulevard. The sculptural nature of the project creates a strong link between these two natural elements in the urban fabric. Two angular objects—one prismatic, white and diaphanous, the other darker and stretched horizontally—embrace the specific programmatic functions of the project but simultaneously transcend these, inviting users and passersby from the boulevard, while serving as a signal for the passage toward the park beyond. The two volumes appear to float, suspended by the kinetic energy emanating from the heart of the project, thereby evoking the dynamic nature of the activities (sports, athletics, training) taking place within. Ultimately, the facility is designed to encourage sports participation and support healthy lifestyles in the community. The design accomplishes this through the integration of high performance sports venues bound together by a network of carefully considered social spaces.The result is a facility that supports the development of the community and adapts to the changing demands of its users.

( FR ) Le site se trouve entre l’école Émile Legault et l’aréna Raymond Bourque, deux bâtiments horizontaux et plutôt neutres. Le projet vient créer un lien visuel et physique entre le parc Marcel-Laurin situé derrière le site et la bande verte projetée le long du boulevard Thimens. Le caractère sculptural du projet vient créer ce lien fort entre ces éléments naturels. Deux objets angulés, l’un prismatique, blanc et diaphane contenant la piscine et les gymnases, l’autre plus horizontal et foncé dans lequel se trouve le complexe de soccer, transcendent la fonction du bâtiment pour d’abord interpeller l’usager ou le passant, mais aussi annoncer le passage vers le parc Marcel-Laurin. Les deux volumes paraissent comme soulevés par l’énergie cinétique émanant du cœur du bâtiment, qui regroupe les services et les vestiaires, évoquant ainsi la vocation sportive du lieu et son dynamisme. Une rampe minérale donne accès à la surface végétalisée qui les surplombe.

http://saucierperrotte.com

Location: Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario
Client: The Distillery District Toronto
Architects: Saucier + Perrotte Architectes / Heritage Architect / ERA Architects
Structural: Jablonsky, Ast
Mechanical/electrical: Able Engineering
Landscape: Planning Partnership
Program: Mixed-use residential / hotel tower / terrace
Area: 23 000 m² / 248 500 ft²

Awards: 

American Architecture Prize 2017 - Recreational Architecture
P/A Award Citation presented by the Architecture Magazine (2012)