This autumn was marked by the opening of two new high schools designed by TLA Architectes, UN architecture and NEUF architect(e)s: Irma-LeVasseur in Anjou, and aux Mille-Voix in Montréal-Nord. The three firms joined forces as part of an ambitious project launched by Quebec’s Ministère de l’Éducation in 2020 aimed at renewing the province’s teaching infrastructure. Both projects feature open and inspiring learning spaces, where human interaction and connections with nature stimulate students’ personal growth and academic achievements.

An adaptable architecture – Each school’s design is adapted to its built and social environment. While both meet stringent ministerial standards, for example, the imposition to use Quebec’s fleur-de-lys blue and aluminum panels on their façades, their layout and volumetry are distinctive, each tailored to the particularities of its site. Beyond aesthetics, the projects are of particular interest for their educational programs, designed to evolve within a fluid space. This approach is reflected in each building’s atrium and courtyard: elements that maximize natural light while providing spaces for collaboration and creativity in every activity they host, from casual socializing among friends to annual graduation ceremonies.

“There is much more to designing a high school than meeting the functional needs of the academic program. For an architect, the key is to create a place where learning and socializing come together to form an inspiring and uplifting living space. That goal was achieved with the creation of an inner courtyard, with trees symbolizing vitality and growth,” said Patric Sabourin, Partner, TLA Architectes.

A sustainable approach – A black maple and an ironwood tree are planted in the middle of the courtyards, complementing the new and pre-existing trees included in the landscape design. The trees embody the environmental sensitivity of the projects, expressed through a range of features that contribute to the sustainability of the buildings. Recycled concrete pavements and green-and-white roofs minimize the heat island effect; curtain walls promote natural lighting; a geothermal system provides energy savings of approximately 35%. There are also wood columns and cladding, active staircases, waste-sorting areas and electric-vehicle charging stations. Together, these features give the schools an expected lifespan of 75 years. Both meet the requirements of LEED Silver certification.

“It’s true that we can always do more. However, the first objective is to set an example and teach our children good practices by giving them a space that demonstrates a profound care for the environment. We want to inspire them to think in these terms so that when they grow up, they can take it to the next level and do better than us,” said Hugo Gagnon, Partner and Head of Sustainable Strategies, NEUF architect(e)s.

An inclusive design – The program elements are situated in a fluid space used for academic and extracurricular activities. The use of movable partitions in the classrooms, and the absence of partitions in collaborative spaces, illustrates the flexible nature of the new schools. A rich palette of materials, colours and textures facilitates wayfinding in each building. The architects call this the “dispersion strategy”: a balanced distribution of flows to invite each user to move freely and explore the building at their own pace. Playful signage, such as pictograms identifying each student community, and the mural decorating the sports facilities, help to give each space a distinctive character while maintaining universal inclusiveness.

“We must encourage students to follow their passions and develop a sensitivity to their learning environment. Participation in a range of activities and daily contact with the natural environment will help nurture them to become the adults they aspire to be,” said Hélène Roger, Senior Partner, UN architecture.

Engaging communities – The variety of teaching spaces – technology labs, performance spaces, manual and digital creative studios – goes far beyond the traditional classroom. The use of the auditorium and atrium for cultural events and the sports facilities by local clubs outside of school hours, help to integrate both projects into their respective communities. The creation of jobs during and after construction also contributes to building thriving communities and economically vibrant boroughs.

Integrating art – Several artworks were created and integrated as part of the province 1% policy. Local artist Marc-Antoine Côté designed the exterior work at aux Mille-Voix high school: five columns standing in front of the building's south façade, a nod to the wealth of knowledge amassed through the ages. Visual artist Marc Dulude created a colourful spiral that he suspended from the main staircase, an echo of users’ movements. At Irma-LeVasseur high school, three works enhance the architectural composition, including a series of floral sculptures by Marie-Michelle Deschamps scattered throughout the grounds. Inside, Nicolas Baier and Sylvain Bouthillette designed, respectively, a modular aluminum structure and a mural for the building's north entrance.

Aux Mille-Voix high school – The scale of the site and its adjacent woodland influenced the location and layout of the building. Two compact volumes are arranged around a planted courtyard, crossed by two perpendicular axes to maintain a direct access with the neighbouring streets. The school opens onto a public square, which serves as both a reception area and an open-air amphitheatre. It welcomes over 1,800 students, organized into six age-based communities, with two per floor. This spatial organization of the student body enabled the architects to create spaces on a more human scale.

Irma-LeVasseur high school – Located in Anjou, the high school is characterized by a long, narrow configuration, bordered on one side by a residential area, and on the other by a quarry and a linear park. The landscape design surrounding the school complements the urban fabric and its public transportation network with several pedestrian and bicycle paths. This community-focused school can accommodate a total of 1,900 students in its learning and social spaces, where students, teachers, families and neighbours can gather and contribute to their community’s vitality.