École secondaire catholique Jean-Robert-Gauthier - Phase II

Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaNew Construction

Project of DistinctionEdward J. Cuhaci and Associates Architects Inc.

2009 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

École secondaire catholique Jean-Robert-Gauthier - Phase II

ElevationsCommunity Environment:The school’s site will be environmentally responsible to the surrounding parks, the adjacent residential community and a new market place. The site is located at the intersection of two major streets. The main entrance and the outdoor plaza are situated at this corner, and welcomes both students and parents during the day and community users at night. Location of the school responds to the natural features of the site. The school is built close to the street to create an “urban edge”. The sports fields will be connected to the public park. The school campus will be instrumental in the development of the neighbourhood, supporting both the needs of the students and programs for the French language community of Barrhaven.

South elevation

West elevation

Building sectionLearning Environment:The goal of the project was to transform the existing elementary school into a secondary school that will offer a comprehensive program to approximately 700 students enrolled in grades seven to twelve. The Conseil des écoles catholiques de langue française du Centre-Est requested a multi-disciplinary facility that will provide a collaborative learning environment and will be sustainable. The program will provide students with essential academic services as well as programs that focus on technology, physical education and the performing arts. To accommodate the school-board’s funding schedule the project will be developed in 5 phases, during which the school will be occupied by students. The master plan concept had to take into consideration the fact that the school will be continuously used by the students and the community. The future phases will include a 450-seat performing arts auditorium that will be shared with the community.

Section through Atrium

Image titlePhysical Environment Every effort was made to bring full spectrum natural light to every teaching space in the building. A thirty-foot high atrium, which will be shared by two academic wings, will bring natural indirect light to the interior classrooms. This space will provide a visual connection between two floors of formal and informal areas. The atrium will provide break-out areas for social interaction and present a transparency within the core of the building. A two-storey curtain wall in the library/media centre and cafeteria will allow diffused daylight by means of light shelves and sun shades. Along with low–emissive glazing and low VOC emitting materials, these sustainable design concepts shall offer a comfortable learning environment and superior indoor air quality

Section through Library

Conceptual designPlanning Process:The process of designing the high school included consultation with educational experts from the district. These experts not only determined the practical requirements for each individual teaching space but also they built-in the direction for future trends in education. The general classroom offers flexibility based on minimal fixed classroom assets including furniture and equipment. The internet service will become available to each student within the school via wireless networks. This dispersal of technology will transform any teaching room or group break-out area into technical research spaces.A small chapel, accessible from the street/atrium will provide students with space for quiet meditation and prayer. The curved walls of the chapel, wooden ceiling and diffused light will create a spiritual space and a “heart of the school”.

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Data

Submitting Firm :Project Role DesignerProject Contact Jan M. VeerTitle Intern ArchitectAddress 171 Slater Street City, State or Province, Country Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaPhone (613) 236-7135

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Details

Project Name

  École secondaire catholique Jean-Robert-Gauthier (Phase II)

City  Ottawa

State  Ontario, Canada

District Name The Conseil des écoles catholiques de langue française du Centre-Est

Supt/President  Monsieur Luc Poulin

Occupancy Date  August 2009

Grades Housed  seven to twelve

 

Capacity(Students)  700

Site Size (acres)  6

Gross Area (sq. ft.)  104,970

Per Occupant(pupil)  150 sq.ft/pupil (after phase III sq.ft./pupil to be 130)

gross/net please indicate  1.4

 

Design and Build?  

If yes, Total Cost:  

Includes:  

 

If no,  

Site Development:  

Building Construction:  

Fixed Equipment:  

Other:  

 

Total:  approximately 8.2 M (US dollars)