[0:15] Hello.

[0:16] Thank you.

[0:16] We are pleased to present you

[0:18] our project for Beaconsfield's new cultural centre.

[0:21] I have to tell you that this project is particularly close to my heart.

[0:24] I'm a Beaconsfield resident myself,

[0:27] so I can tell you that I've often enjoyed the site, its

[0:30] activities, its structures, its access to water as well.

[0:35] It is already a unique and rather exceptional place.

[0:39] So to add the marina site, as well as adding

[0:43] cultural activities, make it a real opportunity

[0:46] to make it an inspiring site that will become even more

[0:48] a place of discovery and entertainment for citizens.

[0:52] So, all along the West Island, the Lakeshore scenic parkway

[0:56] is punctuated by slowdown points to

[0:58] observe the attractions, including the Pointe-Claire village

[1:01] and Beaurepaire village, a little to the West, in Beaconsfield.

[1:05] Located between these two commercial hubs, the project becomes another of these places,

[1:09] which, this time, comes to identify

[1:11] and reinforce the civic core with its proximity to City Hall

[1:14] and the surrounding sports facilities and green spaces.

[1:20] So, on Beaconsfield

[1:20] Boulevard, on the project, we can see a first pedestrian

[1:23] crossing opposite City Lane. Then another crossing

[1:29] opposite Heroes' Park which leads to the centre of the site.

[1:32] And then to the East, the start of the civic core is marked by the axis leading

[1:37] to the North of Beaconsfield, with its bike path, which is identified

[1:41] here in red. So, with the project visible from the street,

[1:45] and located in the centre of the site, it becomes a focal point

[1:48] in a circulation loop where active transportation is encouraged

[1:52] and leads users to discover the trails

[1:55] and the new centre that is centrally placed.

[1:59] So I'll leave you to it, Annie.

[2:01] Good evening.

[2:04] Like this? Yes.

[2:05] So the new cultural centre project is

[2:09] a real catalyst for the creation of a cultural landscape park in Beaconsfield.

[2:14] Following the annexation of the existing park

[2:18] to the marina site, we positioned the building

[2:23] astride the water line that currently separates them

[2:27] and roughly in the centre of the park.

[2:31] The cultural centre and the park are designed

[2:34] in interrelationship thanks to a detailed reading of the landscape

[2:37] and an interpretation of the context and its history.

[2:42] First of all, we identified and reinforced four landscape strips

[2:45] that run parallel to the riverbank as far as Beaconsfield Boulevard,

[2:51] and which in fact reveal

[2:53] the landscape on a territorial scale and the natural topography of the site.

[2:58] So these landscape waves each have

[3:01] their own characteristics and purposes.

[3:03] First of all, the shoreline strip.

[3:14] ...(inaudible)... Pardon.

[3:23] These landscape strips

[3:24] each have their own characteristics and purposes.

[3:26] First of all, the shoreline strip which is conducive to contemplation,

[3:31] the grassy plain,

[3:35] the grassy plain,

[3:36] which is perfect for gatherings, the forest canopy

[3:40] that allows discoveries, and the urban filter that welcomes citizens.

[3:45] Human occupation

[3:48] Human occupation and its history on the site is marked,

[3:50] for its part, by tracings that are perpendicular to the street.

[3:54] The tracings of three former

[3:56] agricultural plots can still be seen in the lines of trees,

[4:00] the paths leading to the lake and the docks entering the water.

[4:03] A ditch that directs water away from the roadway...

[4:06] ...(inaudible)...

[4:09] the road to the lake

[4:11] also forms part of these tracings.

[4:14] In this way, we have identified and strengthened three landscape lots.

[4:18] The historic lot on the left, which remains virtually intact.

[4:22] The site of the former Centennial House, if it were to be demolished,

[4:26] could be marked by the construction of a loose roof

[4:29] that would become the park's gazebo and would provide a stage for gatherings.

[4:34] In the centre, we have the wet lot which supports biodiversity.

[4:39] It is characterized by a sequence of gardens

[4:43] that extend to the

[4:45] vegetated riverbank and replaces the existing ditch.

[4:49] And finally, the community lot on the right-hand side, to the East

[4:52] is characterized by the developing of a large open space

[4:56] that descends from the boulevard to Lake Saint-Louis,

[4:59] creating a sequence of open multipurpose spaces

[5:03] for the community, known as the Heroes' Esplanade.

[5:07] We also propose that

[5:09] the new park chalet be integrated into this lot, in the forest canopy.

[5:14] The waves and landscaped plots weave together a web

[5:17] where nature, culture, landscape,

[5:20] history and community come together.

[5:24] On the longitudinal section

[5:26] of the site, you can appreciate the natural topography

[5:29] which descends from Beaconsfield Boulevard down to Lake Saint-Louis.

[5:34] The centre is registered in the tree canopy.

[5:38] We are proposing a single-level centre to encourage

[5:42] conviviality and encounters, and also to create a public space that will ensure

[5:48] the fluidity of community life between the interior spaces and the park.

[5:53] Covered

[5:54] by a large, welcoming, slightly sloping roof,

[5:57] the cultural centre opens out onto the landscape.

[6:02] The building's layout blends into the trees' canopy.

[6:06] It unfolds organically, skirting around the existing trees

[6:10] to preserve them, creating a configuration with several branches

[6:14] that form together semi-open courtyards and an enclosed courtyard.

[6:19] The branch that remains outside the forested area to the East

[6:22] marks the building from Beaconsfield Boulevard.

[6:26] This location provides a volumetric shape to the building

[6:29] that is inviting and united with the landscape.

[6:33] On the boulevard side, its arched shape welcomes residents.

[6:38] On the park side, the courtyards bring the vegetation into the heart of the building

[6:42] and open up views over the landscape.

[6:47] The branch configuration also creates a welcoming heart

[6:51] at the centre of the building, where the new paths

[6:54] and the various public spaces in the park converge.

[6:58] A real network of walkways linking the boulevard,

[7:02] the cultural centre, the park and the lake, all created for the community.

[7:10] The topography, which slopes down towards the lake,

[7:12] creates a height difference between the main entrance,

[7:15] on the boulevard side, and the courtyards facing south.

[7:19] We even see the wooden platform courtyards with steps

[7:22] integrated into the topography that link the interior level and that of the site,

[7:26] which is also being reworked to soften the transition.

[7:30] These courtyards are extensions of the cultural centre to the outside world,

[7:34] but they are also welcoming for all park users.

[7:39] This view from the riverside promenade shows how

[7:42] the cultural centre opens generously

[7:45] on the landscape with its inviting curves

[7:48] which are partially covered by the overhangs of the large roof.

[7:52] In the foreground, you can also see the play area,

[7:55] which has been relocated close to the building.

[8:00] For the

[8:00] landscaping and immediate surroundings of the building,

[8:05] they incorporate different areas of nature and uses of greenery.

[8:10] On the main entrance side, in the urban filter,

[8:13] a large forecourt has been laid out at the entrance to the esplanade.

[8:18] It is paved with light-coloured cobblestones and includes planting islands.

[8:23] It welcomes people arriving either by bike

[8:26] or on foot from the boulevard or from the car parking,

[8:30] and who are heading for the cultural centre or the park.

[8:34] The forecourt can also be a gathering space

[8:37] where various community events can be held.

[8:40] It can become a market, for example:

[8:41] public market, book market, outdoor expositions,

[8:44] and other events can happen here too.

[8:49] A green car parking has been created in continuity with the forecourt.

[8:53] Its access and exit are separate from the access

[8:57] and exit for vehicles going down to the marina.

[9:03] In the

[9:03] trees' canopy, so just on the left of forecourt,

[9:06] on the image, the rain garden sequence

[9:09] begins to descend towards the riverbank, skirting the building.

[9:13] Then, on the park side, perennial gardens adorn the courtyards

[9:18] and the interior spaces, including the library's reading areas.

[9:21] These gardens create a welcoming area between the park and the cultural centre.

[9:27] In continuity with the branch,

[9:28] which asserts itself in the esplanade to the right, in the open space,

[9:32] another gathering space is defined to the South.

[9:38] So, in this view, from Beaconsfield Boulevard,

[9:40] we can see the foreground's landscaping at the forefront

[9:44] with its planted islands and integrated benches, and we can also see

[9:48] the extension of the esplanade down to the water.

[9:53] The new cultural centre, with its arched layout

[9:57] and its wood cladding is warm and welcoming.

[10:01] Its scale is both civic,

[10:03] by extending into the landscape, and friendly,

[10:06] with its template that is appropriate to the surrounding context.

[10:10] Also visible in this image, in the corner of the building,

[10:14] is the art studio that reveals some of the centre's activities.

[10:19] The main entrance is marked

[10:21] by a wide overhang on the large roof.

[10:25] As we approach, we can see Lake Saint-Louis.

[10:28] and adjacent to the entrance,

[10:32] a large display case showing the artistic work created at the centre.

[10:37] In terms of program organization, the branch configuration

[10:41] provides a natural separation between the program zones.

[10:47] The colour diagram on the left shows how they are organized.

[10:51] In yellow is the reception area, which brings

[10:54] together all the programmatic zones. It opens onto

[10:59] the terrace of the bistro, which can be seen in the actionometry drawing on the right.

[11:04] In red,

[11:05] we have the animation branch which is installed in the branch, therefore outside the forested area.

[11:11] In green, the library, which is housed in two other branches

[11:15] and organized over three courtyards. And in orange, the administrative sector

[11:21] which is in the branch that closes over the courtyard.

[11:24] The cultural centre is accessible to all, from both

[11:28] Boulevard Beaconsfield and the park. Inside the centre,

[11:32] the central hall provides easy access

[11:36] and quickly to all programmatic zones.

[11:40] The main entrance opens onto the hall.

[11:43] It's a welcoming, open and versatile space.

[11:47] On the plan, we can see the light grey areas that identify the circulation routes

[11:51] from the hall, which are fluid throughout the building.

[11:55] The service counter is positioned close to the entrance.

[11:58] It is welcoming to the public and allows the staff to

[12:01] have an overview of all the centre's activities.

[12:05] In the animation branch,

[12:07] the branch on the right, are grouped together near the entrance to the meeting rooms,

[12:12] the art studio and the computer laboratory.

[12:16] The multipurpose hall is positioned at the other end of this branch,

[12:20] so that when it is not in black box mode, it opens onto

[12:25] the esplanade and offers a view of Lake Saint-Louis.

[12:30] The bistro is adjacent to the multipurpose hall.

[12:33] and is a continuation of the hall with its magazine corner and terrace.

[12:38] A movable partition and an entrance from the terrace

[12:42] allow the bistro to be open outside opening hours

[12:45] of the centre.

[12:47] The library's new releases displays are visible

[12:50] and accessible from the hall, encouraging people to enter.

[12:56] First of all, we discover the pre-school section

[12:59] which benefits from the natural light of the interior courtyard and of

[13:03] a secure outdoor play area.

[13:08] The adjacent youth

[13:09] section is located in the central branch.

[13:13] It opens onto the activity room, which is located a little lower down

[13:18] thanks to the difference in ground levels, allowing the creation of tiered seating.

[13:24] These two areas can also be separated by a movable partition.

[13:28] A controlled access to the outside, near the youth section

[13:32] which is visible from the reception desk, allows children to

[13:36] to join the nearby playground.

[13:40] The adult and

[13:41] young adult sections occupy the West branch.

[13:45] Their reading areas share a private outdoor terrace.

[13:50] Their study rooms

[13:51] are housed in a space that also includes a breastfeeding area

[13:56] and family washrooms serving the adjacent pre-school area.

[14:01] The library can also be closed off outside

[14:03] opening hours thanks to a partition separating it from the hall.

[14:08] And finally, the administrative sector;

[14:11] it extends around the inner courtyard and creates a loop

[14:15] with the library.

[14:19] In this view, from the hall,

[14:21] we can appreciate the natural light

[14:25] which is filtered through the tree canopy and bathes the interior space.

[14:29] You can also see the views towards the landscape.

[14:33] It is also apparent the fluidity of the interior space

[14:37] which is naturally subdivided by courtyards.

[14:41] On the left is the terrace of the bistro

[14:43] which is adjacent to the youth section, and further,

[14:47] the adult and young adult section.

[14:51] Skylights punctuate the circulation

[14:53] throughout the different areas of the library.

[14:57] The ceilings and soffits of the eaves

[15:00] are both clad in wood paneling to ensure

[15:03] the continuity,

[15:04] especially the visual continuity, between the interior and exterior spaces.

[15:09] We can also see the structure's slender, round columns

[15:12] that accentuate the desired fluidity of the spaces.

[15:17] So we can already mention that we opted for a steel structure,

[15:21] which allows for greater ranges than a wooden structure.

[15:23] Therefore, a greater versatility of space and a flexibility

[15:27] that is actually even more sustainable.

[15:29] This cross-section shows

[15:33] the large sloping roof which forms protective soffits

[15:36] on the entrance side and provides protection from the sun on the south side.

[15:43] On the right is the hall, and on the left is the youth section

[15:46] and the activity room in continuity, which is

[15:49] lower down with its bleachers.

[15:52] And we see here a view of the two spaces.

[15:57] It should also be noted that coloured flexible floor coverings identify

[16:01] the different areas of the library and that the acoustic quality

[16:05] of the spaces is ensured by the treatment of the ceilings.

[16:08] I'm going to hand over to Philippe, who is going to talk about the integration

[16:11] of technical aspects and sustainable development strategies.

[16:17] So I continue. Here, on the elevation.

[16:19] So you can see the ...(inaudible)... sloping from

[16:21] the roof which exposes the green roof.

[16:24] On the facades, we notice the wood cladding,

[16:26] which adds a warm, integrated feel to the park,

[16:29] as well as being a local and renewable material.

[16:32] The openings are more focused on the North side,

[16:35] and then open up more on the south side, towards the park.

[16:40] So, the technical cut

[16:41] exposes that it is made up of fairly straightforward components

[16:45] that make it easy to integrate systems.

[16:48] It also illustrates well the continuity between inside and outside.

[16:53] It can be seen that the natural level of the site

[16:55] has been slightly altered,

[16:58] which allows to be adapted to the interior, facing the terraces and the platforms.

[17:03] The radius of the trees of 4.5 metres and over is therefore retained.

[17:07] So we are further improving the condition around the trees

[17:11] by making a straight excavation with foundation walls ...(inaudible)... that are insulated

[17:16] to give the roots more room too.

[17:19] The view from the terrace shows the bistro terrace with its courtyard

[17:24] which is a covered area

[17:25] also becomes the entrance accessible from the park side.

[17:29] We can appreciate the openness, the protected areas,

[17:32] the connection with nature, all to create inspiring and

[17:35] inviting spaces.

[17:37] In terms of the structure,

[17:38] it is essentially a large inclined plane that accommodates

[17:42] the different heights in terms of programmatic needs.

[17:46] On one side, with the hall, with the administration, at a more modest height,

[17:50] and a sunken roof to create a large drainage basin.

[17:54] And one the other side,

[17:55] the roof is raised to accommodate the multipurpose room

[17:59] but also to accommodate a mezzanine mechanical

[18:02] room above the technical areas.

[18:06] So, in this mechanical room, we find the ventilation, which includes

[18:10] heat recovery systems

[18:11] via a thermal wheel with a ground-coupled heat exchanger.

[18:15] The ventilation is connected to fan coil units

[18:18] that use aerothermal energy for flexibility of use

[18:20] to adapt to different locations.

[18:23] And, especially, the fan coil units are installed in the ceiling space

[18:26] enclosed spaces,

[18:28] to allow for a greater architectural flexibility and

[18:30] promote acoustics.

[18:35] Then, in terms of sustainable development,

[18:37] therefore, we are focusing on energy efficiency

[18:39] as I've just described, but also on performance

[18:42] of the tightly sealed envelope and a well-insulated envelope,

[18:47] as well as a triple glazing on the north side and double glazing on the south side.

[18:51] We are also focusing on several passive strategies, including solar control.

[18:55] So, with the natural canopy of trees, with full daylight curtains, vertical

[18:58] sunshades, roof overhangs,

[19:00] and even the geometry creates shadows and also allows

[19:04] the natural ventilation of each individual branch.

[19:07] The focus is also on water management strategies

[19:10] with ditch detour facing the rain gardens

[19:14] which permits water filtration before it is discharged

[19:17] into Lake Saint-Louis to improve water quality.

[19:20] There are vegetated ...(inaudible)... and then a bioretention basin for the parking lot

[19:25] and also a green roof to reduce heat islands,

[19:29] to absorb water

[19:30] and for the irrigation of the building.

[19:33] So the aim is to design biofilms that

[19:36] enhances biodiversity while integrating the City's cultural ecosystem.

[19:42] So, the

[19:42] building itself is a catalyst for the park's development,

[19:46] allowing the discovery of the site through new routes

[19:49] where are introduced new opportunities for use.

[19:52] These include, notably, sculpture gardens, relaxation areas

[19:56] and edible gardens, but also more active areas

[19:59] with play areas, walking and cross-country ski trails.

[20:02] And then, finally, the front forecourt becomes a public gathering place.

[20:07] Contrasting with the space in front,

[20:10] the space behind becomes

[20:13] so contrasted to ensure that the cultural centre

[20:16] becomes, in a way, the keystone of the park

[20:19] which, on one hand, welcomes citizens to cultural spaces,

[20:23] and, on the other, shows its great openness to nature for all. Thank you.

[20:42] OK, I'll start with a question

[20:46] which is not architectural, but a question of estimation.

[20:52] We turn to electromechanics.

[20:55] So, in the estimates, item D-20, which is estimated at 108,000,

[21:00] seems very low to include the scope of the work

[21:03] plumbing appliances, domestic networks and domestic water,

[21:07] sanitary drainage networks, rainwater drainage networks.

[21:10] Therefore, we would ask you to please clarify the nature of this network,

[21:13] according to the proposal, in order to justify the amounts submitted. In item 30-50,

[21:19] you have an estimate of 477,000, which also seems

[21:23] very low for the item that includes heat pumps.

[21:26] So, refrigeration, boiler, heating, recovery system,

[21:30] as we've just seen in your drawings.

[21:32] Here again, you need to clarify your choice of systems

[21:35] as well as the heating capacities in order to justify the amounts submitted.

[21:40] Post 50-10, I'm sorry, it's not very...

[21:43] This is not very interesting

[21:45] but we will discuss more interesting things afterwards. The estimate of 219,000,

[21:49] which also seems very low for the scope of the work

[21:51] which includes underground connections for the supply transformer,

[21:56] we ask you again to justify the amounts.

[21:59] And, finally, the 50-30 position,

[22:01] which has an estimate of just 69,000 for the scope of the work,

[22:05] which includes intercom, wifi, general call systems, etc., etc.

[22:11] So, to justify these amounts which seem low

[22:14] and perhaps tell us how you plan to create the ground-coupled heat exchanger

[22:17] while the level of the bedrock is in fact very high on the site.

[22:22] In fact, I will begin, and then... So, indeed,

[22:26] we recognize that there are discrepancies with the presentation.

[22:29] First,

[22:30] when we assessed the costs, there was not the same breakdown

[22:33] and we had a slightly different breakdown

[22:36] compared with this one. So our gaps were not

[22:38] as substantial as what we saw in the report,

[22:41] but we continued the analysis with this to see that, indeed,

[22:46] there are certain gaps and there are certain amounts

[22:48] that we recognize will have to be enhanced

[22:51] before getting into the technical details.

[22:52] So I'm just going to say that, in fact, we took a good look at the estimate in

[22:57] an integrated and global manner and we have margins within

[23:01] other places where we can accommodate

[23:05] budget adjustments, where necessary, to electromechanical systems.

[23:10] So, we've also made provision for the systems

[23:13] as required by the program, tried-and-tested and fairly simple systems,

[23:16] which allows for a budgetary rationality that works.

[23:20] So, maybe, I can let you mention some points in the most

[23:24] technical aspects, including the ground-couple heat exchanger and others...

[23:29] In terms of the capacity of the VRF

[23:33] systems, we calculated approximately 25 tonnes of air conditioning

[23:38] which will be made with condensers, several condensers and several

[23:41] systems, evaporators that will be decentralized in the building.

[23:46] The ground-couple heat exchanger isn't very hollow, it just has to be under the ground.

[23:52] to benefit from the cold of the ground, in fact,

[23:55] to take advantage of

[23:59] free air conditioning.

[24:04] And if I

[24:04] can maybe complete, since it's about the budgets.

[24:07] We took a good look

[24:09] at the budgetary envelope and we're very comfortable with it,

[24:11] precisely with budget items where we know that

[24:13] there were certain places where we had certain provisions

[24:16] for the envelope, which were quite

[24:18] generous, where we have room to adapt.

[24:23] I do not know if you would want

[24:24] precisions, because... there are certain areas...

[24:28] Curtain walls, for example, which are almost, but not quite, double the price.

[24:35] We overestimated them. So why?

[24:37] Because curtains really are a big difference.

[24:40] There's also the exterior layout,

[24:43] we leave the minimum zone that was requested.

[24:47] So we're getting out of the budget. What was mentioned

[24:52] already in the presentation,

[24:56] the presentation of the project, is the landscaping,

[24:59] there is a budget allocated, but, depending on the project chosen,

[25:04] there will be

[25:06] possibility of seeing how it can be increased,

[25:08] but there are ways of avoiding all these elements.

[25:12] So there's money to be taken from there too.

[25:14] Well, actually, balanced, because we realized that our architecture budget

[25:18] was lower than the budget...

[25:22] almost a million, I think. Yes.

[25:25] So it's at site level. So some of the costs are lower.

[25:28] There are a lot of things

[25:29] that have been done more on the site, which will also have to be calibrated.

[25:33] In the end,

[25:35] probable deviation ...(inaudible)...

[25:40] We understand that you are confident that you will be able to do ...(inaudible)...

[25:44] That's because there's a budget.

[25:46] We have noted that your envelope and superstructure are indeed

[25:50] higher

[25:50] but on the other hand, it's justified by the fact that you have curtain-

[25:53] walls. No need to sacrifice curtain walls

[25:56] with segments all the same.

[26:00] No, that, that's not part of it.

[26:02] In fact, during the development of the project, we explored the idea of

[26:05] triple glass throughout and wooden curtain walls.

[26:09] We have reduced some of these elements

[26:11] which were not kept,

[26:12] but the amounts have remained fairly high in curtain walls, for example.

[26:15] There really is a lot of money in curtain walls.

[26:20]

[26:23]

[26:26] I will have two questions

[26:27] that are going to be about the captaincy,

[26:30] the marina and their functions.

[26:33] Can we have the site

[26:35] plan, please?

[26:39] Yes. Perfect, thank you.

[26:40] I note that you have placed

[26:41] the captaincy on the eastern side of the project,

[26:46] with pedestrian access,

[26:50] with the Esplanade of Heroes and, above all, the vehicle handling area.

[26:56] I'd like you to explain...

[26:59] I'd like you to explain the justification for a road on the east side,

[27:04] considering there is a great deal of cross-fertilization between activities

[27:09] in what could be called the Esplanade of Heroes

[27:11] and the handling area.

[27:16] What we have

[27:16] positionned is the park chalet. I do not know if the park chalet and

[27:19] and the captaincy are the same because... OK, it is the same thing.

[27:23] Because there was also kayak renting with

[27:26] perhaps a smaller shelter on the side that could be to the West,

[27:31] but for the moment,

[27:35] it's part of the mandate to be developed

[27:37] because it really is an overall plan.

[27:39] We've positioned it here, but it could move to the other side.

[27:42]

[27:43]

[27:45] The yellow passage is also visible. The yellow passage,

[27:49] actually, which is almost a pedestrian crossing of a narrower area. So you can see

[27:53] that many of the activities will be located further south, towards the water.

[27:58] On the other hand, the link with the new cultural centre would be much more...

[28:04] much more

[28:04] spaced out and activities would take place more to the South.

[28:08] So there really is a central axis

[28:10] through the park, through the axis here.

[28:16]

[28:19]

[28:21] Thank you for your presentation.

[28:23] I understand that, well actually, you've said that you're going to preserve the trees

[28:30] around and near the building, including the terraces

[28:35] and in the inner courtyard.

[28:36] I would like to know if you have considered that

[28:41] there is a possibility that the groundwater table will be changed

[28:45] following the construction of the building, which would have an impact on

[28:50] the ...(inaudible)... necessary to preserve the trees.

[28:56] So, actually,

[28:58] the site is mainly already

[29:01] covered in grass, so it's already very, very used

[29:05] to absorbing a lot of water.

[29:08] So I don't think the intervention will have a significant impact,

[29:12] then perhaps I'll let my colleagues in civic and landscape complete.

[29:21] Hello.

[29:23] As far as the building is concerned, quite simply the building,

[29:26] it is...

[29:27] a slab on grade that follows the profile of the lower natural ground.

[29:31] So it's not something we're worried about on our side. As

[29:36] Philippe said, of course, most of the site is grassed. So

[29:39] the water seeps through, but the groundwater table remains high. We're close to the lake too,

[29:43] so, I think the trees are mature and they're big precisely because of

[29:47] the proximity of water to the building

[29:51] and in the park.

[29:51] Therefore, it is not a question

[29:55] that is very problematic for us.

[29:59] This will have no real impact on the groundwater table.

[30:01] In terms of trees, the two elements that have an impact on the park are

[30:04] if we were to clear around the trees or bury them.

[30:08] And

[30:08] this is why we're doing a lot of work on the perimeter of the building,

[30:11] to have terraces that are above ground level.

[30:14] And we try to preserve more of the natural soil

[30:17] to avoid impact on the trees and preserve them.

[30:19] There are also many trees that are already... Adjacent to these trees,

[30:25] there are asphalted areas that are already impermeable.

[30:28] So the roots are not necessarily...

[30:32] don't necessarily go that way either.

[30:33] So there's a kind of impermeability that already exists,

[30:38] because they're parking lots. We really set up where there are

[30:41] asphalt parking lots.

[30:53] Thank you. Thank you for the start of this presentation.

[30:55] I really like the fact that you're thinking about passive solar

[30:59] power. So I understand that the soffits are going to be bigger,

[31:03] are going to make use of the fact that you are going to put several linear feet of

[31:10] soffits,

[31:11] during the summer, to protect you from the sun.

[31:15] Then, in winter, the sun is lower, so the sun will come in more quickly.

[31:18] And it sounds well thought out.

[31:24] ...(inaudible)...

[31:25] The use of the spaces, where you have

[31:27] transparency from inside the building to the outside,

[31:32] the orientation seems right, the use of the building to give

[31:35] full view of the lake and lakeside green spaces,

[31:39] are well organized.

[31:44] I have a question, however, about the enclosed

[31:46] space inside. There are mature trees inside that.

[31:49] It's a great idea to keep this place and then create a protected area for...

[31:56] I think you said it was a play area for 2-5-year-olds? 0-5 year olds?

[31:59] However, in terms of operations,

[32:02] in terms of maintenance, how do we manage this?

[32:07] A play area requires a lot of infrastructure, to start.

[32:09] So, sand, wood shavings, etc.

[32:12] Maintenance of the structure itself, the lawn, the plants, etc.

[32:16] And we can see that it's really fitted out inside

[32:21] with the shelving

[32:23] units and the meeting spaces and the sanitary blocks, etc.

[32:30] So, there may be an operational purpose that is not

[32:33] logical for me.

[32:37] As far as maintenance is concerned,

[32:42] it could... Actually.

[32:44]

[32:46]

[32:49] Here, here is...

[32:51] There is this space that is not in the public areas,

[32:55] It's a traffic area that's quite wide, it measures about two metres.

[32:58] There could also be double doors.

[33:00] We've definitely got some doors here at the moment. A door there,

[33:03] but all this can be opened up.

[33:04] So, here, there's a way of getting around and entering with

[33:10] There's nothing to move as such.

[33:12] In terms of...

[33:14] If there was any pruning to be done or anything to do with the trees,

[33:16] It would not be difficult.

[33:17] There's a lot of climbing to be done, or perhaps with a crane

[33:21] to fetch dead wood, but in any case. It's... For me,

[33:24] it's a big question, maybe with a question mark there.

[33:28] It should also be noted that this is the lowest part of the building.

[33:31] As Philippe mentioned, the roof comes down.

[33:34] In fact, its lowest point is really here, and then it rises

[33:38] like this, rises like this.

[33:41] So that's the lowest point.

[33:42] So the height of

[33:46] the branches are really above the courtyard.

[33:50] It could even be done from the roof.

[33:55] I believe.

[33:56] Then, I think that in terms of play facilities, yes,

[33:58] I think that was more a reflection on a more detailed conception

[34:01] that we can see. Making installations that require

[34:04] less maintenance on this side, but also,

[34:07] yes, as far as the trees are concerned,

[34:08] there needs to be a path so that we can redo some of the maintenance.

[34:11] Maybe, Mira, you could answer for the trees. Yes, that's it.

[34:13] In fact, I can add ...(inaudible)...

[34:17] ...(inaudible)...

[34:18] ...(inaudible)...

[34:22] ...(inaudible)...

[34:26] ...(inaudible)....

[34:29] ...(inaudible)...

[34:30] The arrival of machinery ...(inaudible)...

[34:33] ...(inaudible)..., but it's not necessary at this level,

[34:37] for ...(inaudible)...

[34:39] ...(inaudible)... as she was saying ...(inaudible)...

[34:43] a pruning ...(inaudible)... trees that are tall enough.

[34:45] ...(inaudible)... that grow on top of the building. Therefore, maintenance

[34:49] pruning from the roof, that can be done from the roof.

[34:51] And a programming...

[34:54] ...(inaudible)...

[35:01] ...(inaudible)...

[35:05] It's clear

[35:05] we have tree protection on the premises

[35:08] around the trees will be necessary, but that's a detail for later.

[35:11] My other question: in the area where the chalet is, the captaincy,

[35:16] what is the purpose of this space?

[35:18] It's also a little isolated because of the parking, which is

[35:22] well thought out.

[35:23] You have many islands of greenery in the car park,

[35:25] then, after that, there's the green space overlooking the captaincy.

[35:28] Is there a purpose here or is this a green, forested area?

[35:32] Front or back? Between the captaincy

[35:35] and the parking lot.

[35:37] That, it is a picnic area.

[35:39] Actually, we wanted to juxtapose two types of space.

[35:42] So we talked about the grassy plain, which is an area that,

[35:45] following the profile of the site, is higher up the marina.

[35:49] And, at the moment, I think they have gatherings in this place, a bit further down.

[35:54] And then the in-between space,

[35:56] so we wanted to have picnic tables, a place to gather

[35:59] which is close to the car parks, but benefits more from the trees' cover.

[36:03] So, being able to enjoy the sun or the space more of as a gathering place.

[36:07] This is where we really see that a more

[36:10] community focus where people will be able to, first and foremost,

[36:13] gather to then stroll around the park.

[36:18] And the trees,

[36:19] there are several trees added.

[36:21]

[36:22] enhanced

[36:25] to make it a place where...

[36:29] with more vegetation, more shade.

[36:32] It's a big space. In fact, we imagined

[36:35] in winter, we could perhaps make a small ice trail as well.

[36:38] We're close to the captaincy.

[36:40] So to try to make the most of the place during the winter as well.

[36:44] Yes. It's like a plateau, there's the parking lot, then there's this plateau.

[36:48] After that, there's another plateau further down.

[36:50] Well, they're light, the plateaux, but they're like plateaux

[36:53] at the moment.

[36:56] Thank you.

[36:59] Hello,

[37:00] I had two questions about the accessibility of certain areas.

[37:04] So the first area is the bistro section and the multi-purpose room.

[37:09] So we can see that there are a lot of stairs.

[37:11] How do you see the ramp that's actually going to the other end of the building?

[37:16] The room...

[37:19] Sorry, the room...

[37:21] The bistro and the multi-purpose hall. In H-1.

[37:26] How...

[37:26] the acess

[37:28] coming from the lake, from the park?

[37:30] OK, we've actually fitted out the side here, the south side.

[37:36] As we've explained,

[37:37] there's a a difference in ground level but at the same time we are working the soil

[37:42] that goes up a little further, then we created a long...

[37:45] gentle ramp leading up to the terrace.

[37:50] Here. There will also be some that follow, actually,

[37:54] that run alongside the building and provides access from

[37:58] from the entrance, yes, from the forecourt.

[38:02] If not, the multipurpose hall can be reached from here.

[38:05] You can go up and down from there.

[38:09] And, actually, you can see one of the black triangles there, which is the back

[38:12] entrance of the library, here, which is close to the end of this ramp.

[38:16] And we brought up all the floor levels. We worked on the ground level

[38:19] to have ramps at accessible levels,

[38:24] which are softer than that.

[38:26] Perfect, my second question,

[38:29] it's about the youth room

[38:30] and the activity room.

[38:32] We can see it a little here in the photo with the green steps.

[38:36] Here we have a ramp that runs alongside the courtyard

[38:42] and we also have one outside.

[38:44] So we were able to bring it down the

[38:48] the courtyard, inside or outside to access the activity room.

[38:52] Perfect!

[38:54] A quick question concerning the computer room.

[38:58] So there are two places that have been added:

[39:00] The H-5.1 and H-5.2. We were wondering about the purposes of these areas were.

[39:05] In fact, these two rooms were part of the plan.

[39:08] That's what we called them, but they were part of the H-5.

[39:12] The H-5 surface area, it is all this,

[39:14] but in one of the programs, the program we received,

[39:18] there was - there was mention of developing

[39:21] a photocopying area at the entrance which could be opened, even

[39:25] if the room is occupied and can't be accessed.

[39:28] And also a green screen for taking photos.

[39:32] That was mentioned in the program. So we followed that.

[39:35] Otherwise, if these parts are no longer required,

[39:39] we can go back to the full size of this room.

[39:54] Perfect, thank you.

[39:54] Philippe and Annie, thank you very much.

[39:56] It's very interesting, and tree conservation is very commendable.

[40:01] and the way your building takes shape with the trees, in fact,

[40:06] but I'm curious

[40:08] rather about the urban part, what we call the reception,

[40:12] the urban filter. That's your fourth zone at the top. Because you mentioned

[40:16] the building's civic scale

[40:20] and this also implies a civic

[40:23] typology for the forecourt.

[40:26] We know that the building

[40:29] is relatively modest in terms of scales, but we can see that

[40:34] you spoke of your desire to make a presence

[40:37] on Beaconsfield Boulevard.

[40:40] So my question... We have a whole series of plantation bubbles

[40:45] in the forecourt, we have a single-story building.

[40:49] This gives you a bit of a challenge to

[40:52] create a real civic presence.

[40:54] It's a civic amenity in the ...(inaudible)...

[40:56] Can you explain a little bit your strategies in these two areas:

[41:00] the civic presence of the building and the civic presence

[41:05] the forecourt as a meeting place

[41:08] and a gathering place?

[41:11] Well.

[41:12] As for the civic part of the building,

[41:14] I think I was just mentioning that the building really extends itself.

[41:19] The shape of the building, too, which is really like a kind of arch

[41:23] is welcoming and its range,

[41:26] I would say, on the site,

[41:28] gives an impression of

[41:32] grandeur, if you will, which is to scale for us.

[41:38] From Beaconsfield Boulevard,

[41:39] I think it's going to be quite visible.

[41:41] Then, for the forecourt, maybe it's... the view

[41:46] lacks perhaps a little furnishing, but the islands are really

[41:50] positioned to create areas, a forecourt that will be shaded,

[41:54] because this forecourt is quite large, and cleared

[41:57] areas to allow for activities.

[42:01] So it's a bit of an area that's included, at the same time,

[42:05] that is inscribed in the park, but which opens up and really becomes like

[42:11] a civic location

[42:11] that is mineralized that invites events.

[42:15] I don't know if I'm answering your question, but... I think the building

[42:18] and the landscape

[42:18] work together a bit.

[42:19] That's it. The intention is to move the building back and make way for the forecourt.

[42:23] And we're even very comfortable

[42:25] with the car park a little more in the foreground to, precisely, provide a view,

[42:29] and notice that there's a space, a building of some importance,

[42:33] a place where people can come together.

[42:35] I think that the City of Beaconsfield...

[42:38] it remains a modest

[42:39] building, but that encourages us to discover the place.

[42:43] Once you appreciate the site, it's actually the cultural centre

[42:47] and the site that become themselves a civic place.

[42:52] This means that in this image,

[42:53] here, we are in the old parking lot,

[42:56] so we've planted the two mature trees here.

[42:58] There are a few facing this way.

[43:03] We would have to look at the plan because there are some existing ones.

[43:06] It's quite alright that part of your perspective is 50 years from now, it doesn't matter,

[43:10] But there is a tree...

[43:11] But it's certain that along the car park in the planted islands,

[43:14] there's going to be less mature trees. Yes.

[43:20] Thank you very much.

[43:25] So, yes, I appreciate the presentation.

[43:28] I was wondering about something.

[43:29] Two things,

[43:30] actually. We talked about trees, the maintenance

[43:32] of the inner courtyard, it's a technicality,

[43:34] but nobody is talking about the snow.

[43:36]

[43:38]

[43:41]

[43:43] you could answer.

[43:44] You've done several projects like this.

[43:47] On the contrary, it's a way of bringing Winter indoors.

[43:50] The four seasons within the interior space.

[43:55] And the snow falls in the courtyard, but in the spring,

[43:58] it melts and it's not a roof, so everything seeps into the ground.

[44:04] It's also very bright in winter, with the snow,

[44:08] so there really is a kind of reflection effect. Yes.

[44:13] Regarding

[44:14] the access to the marina, well, that's one aspect of the program...

[44:19] maybe... I don't know if it was very well defined,

[44:23] but there is a lot of overlap with the proximity of the building.

[44:27] Had you considered a different radius of curvature

[44:33] or a certain distancing from the buildings

[44:36] and the activities taking place just behind it?

[44:39] This is clearly shown on the site plan.

[44:43] Yes, that. Exactly.

[44:45] Maybe just explain? This here?

[44:47] Well, yes, actually,

[44:49] because the principle is to go to the marina until

[44:52] the water. Yes, but in fact.

[44:57] What's the question?

[44:57] So it's in relation to dedicated access? Well, it's not direct, actually,

[45:02] is that what you mean?

[45:03] No, it's more... I don't know...

[45:07] the intersection of uses. Because there's a sort of esplanade behind it

[45:12] the building, which is going to be occupied, and then we bring people in

[45:16] with their boats.

[45:19] I was wondering if it were possible to think about a route

[45:23] that's a bit far away or something like that?

[45:28] In fact, I think... it's a discussion actually,

[45:31] we don't know how much traffic there is either

[45:34] to understand what the potential crossover is.

[45:37] I think we wanted to make sure there was a dedicated entrance to ensure

[45:41] that the regular use of the car park itself avoids crossovers.

[45:47] Then it's downhill to the esplanade,

[45:51] that is the place where there is

[45:52] a management, mitigation needed.

[45:54] I think there's a potential to see if

[45:57] there are other ways, depending on traffic.

[46:01] In fact, what was most important to us was to really

[46:04] clear away; that

[46:06] cars entering the parking lot

[46:10] going at low speed, if you will,

[46:13] but that the crossing

[46:16] of boats with trailers is outside the entire access area

[46:21] of the cultural centre.

[46:26] I think there was also a desire to make sure that the marina

[46:29] be a part of the show, which people in the library can also see.

[46:34] So we didn't want to distance ourselves from this activity.

[46:44] ...(inaudible)...

[46:54] ...(inaudible)...

[46:57] ...(inaudible)...

[47:03] Landscape waves,

[47:04] landscape lots in the other direction,

[47:08] it creates a kind of grid, yes,

[47:12] that we can see on this plan.

[47:14] So, once we've established these lines of force, or these lines on the site,

[47:18] how does that help you position the building?

[47:21] It's not clear to me why the building

[47:23] is there once we've mapped out these two sets

[47:27] of horizontal and vertical lines. OK.

[47:32] Well, in fact, the positioning of the building

[47:34] is both linked to landscape work and the two are

[47:39] influenced each other a little, if I may say so.

[47:42] In fact, the...

[47:43] So it's the building that defines the urban filter?

[47:50] Actually, the urban filter,

[47:50] for us, it already existed and then came to be defined by the building.

[47:55] So, the urban filter, currently along the boulevard,

[47:57] is fairly narrow and dense.

[48:00] And what we wanted

[48:00] to do, in terms of the building, is to widen it so that it becomes more of a filter which is

[48:05] inviting rather than a barrier.

[48:07] So that's why we came to expand it.

[48:10] Then, for us, it was quite important,

[48:12] as Annie mentioned, to have the building overlap the site's forested area

[48:17] which is vacant and becomes a place

[48:18] which is much more open and community-oriented.

[48:21] So to do it in juxtaposition. These are elements that are very...

[48:25] that are already existing.

[48:26] So, the grassy plain is really, when you go to the site,

[48:28] you can see how people converge on water,

[48:32] and towards these spaces. So what we also want to do is

[48:35] bring people back to the centre of the site, which is sometimes a little neglected.

[48:39] To occupy it even more.

[48:43] In fact, the building is pretty much... If we...

[48:46] we cross... we make an X, it's roughly in the centre of the site.

[48:50] At the same time, it is quite close to the boulevard.

[48:54] in order to be visible from the boulevard, but also to have a full experience of the park.

[48:58] It's idea of inserting, in fact, the building into the trees' canopy.

[49:03]

[49:05] there. And this idea of having to

[49:08] keep a large open space for

[49:13] the people who go all the way down to the marina.

[49:15] And we turned it into a public space, so we thought we'd straddle the two,

[49:18] it was quite an interesting experience and the animation branch,

[49:22] which is much more, shall we say, lively with the multipurpose hall,

[49:26] the art studios that you can see at the entrance, etc.

[49:29] come to settle in this branch; while the library building and the

[49:34] administration infiltrate the canopy.

[49:38] And that's the idea behind the park chalet.

[49:41] Maybe this will complete the answer.

[49:42] The park chalet and the Centennial House,

[49:46] let's say if we keep it, or if we ever demolish it,

[49:49] what we were proposing was perhaps to build

[49:51] a kind of large roof. A sort of park gazebo,

[49:54] but which ultimately becomes the stage for gatherings.

[49:58] They're all, like, in the canopy,

[50:00] but with their gathering spaces, all three.

[50:04] So it's this whole organization of the park

[50:06] with the natural elements that helped us

[50:10] to position both the building, with its green roof, also, which

[50:15] makes it a part of the canopy and its position,

[50:19] let's say, between the boulevard and the lake.

[50:23] Then there's the 100-year line here,

[50:26] so we got close, but not too close, that's to say

[50:28] that we kept a safe distance. We thought

[50:31] it would be a full experience for people in the building too.

[50:35] And maybe I can just add...

2024-07-02 - Centre culturel multifonctionnel de Beaconsfield

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