Each summer for the past ten years, Taktik Design has been completing major renovations at Collège Sainte-Anne. The Marie-Esther Pavilion, located on the Lachine campus and named in honour of the founder of The Sisters of Sainte-Anne, is now experiencing its own revitalization period.

In this 1980s-era building, classrooms were originally laid out around a central core, forming closed-loop hallways with little activity and no clear sense of destination. To breathe new energy into both floors, the design strategy focused on opening up several of the central zones. This shift gave way to vibrant gathering spaces for students, while large new windows in each classroom now allow natural light to flow into the heart of the building.

On the ground floor, the reception area is now a feature thanks to the removal of the enclosures. The emphasis placed on the emblematic colour of the school, the use of several Nordic wood species, and the integration of the school’s animal totem in a seated position creates an inviting environment and an enriching experience for visitors. A little further down the corridor, an alcove was added to provide a moment of respite from the busy focus of academia. Dubbed as the meditation zone, this space attracts attention thanks to its familiar cabin-like silhouette, which is highlighted by an iridescent zinc pediment whose reflective surface dances with the light in a subtle fashion, depending on the time of day and the position one stands in. This inviting environment provides the perfect setting for students needing to take a breather, to find their center again, or to simply be embraced by a moment of peace.

On the upper level, a central space brewing with energy takes form under two skylights. The offices of the Secondary Level 1 management team have set up shop here to be in the heart of the action and to establish direct contact with their students. At the center of this room lies an impressive array of tiered vegetation beds, resulting in a warm, natural agora space. Each level of this structure features wood seats with cushions for added comfort, surrounded by greenery, favouring both comfortable social interactions and moments of calm. A large, green carpet on the floor of the central podium invites students to gather in this space in a free and creative fashion. The glass partitions on either side of the platform have been covered in an iridescent pellicle, creating an undulation of colours and reflections that dance according to the rhythm of the movement in the room. The subtle effect of this interplay transforms circulation into a veritable visual experience.

Work zones were also set up around tables, with benches under suspended ceilings made of felt which define the space and provide sound absorption. The furniture here brings flexibility to the area, while creating a welcoming ambiance allowing for a smooth transition between working in teams and taking a friendly pause.

Through enlarging the corridor in front of the classrooms, an impressive third place saw the light of day. A strategic opening in the original ceiling revealed the mechanical systems, turning the ceiling into a suspended canopy for lush greenery. This new perspective transformed the corridor into a green oasis—a space that invites a different way of working.

Several intuitive subspaces were added to the corridors to extend the learning environments. In these informal meeting areas meant for amical exchanges, as well as for exploring spontaneous work initiatives or simply enjoying a moment of contemplation, the students have been given multiple options for prioritizing their creativity and well-being throughout the day.

Various murals featuring graphics of organic matter punctuate the hallways and bring forth an exciting dialogue with the architecture. The generous integration of luxurious plant life reinforces the presence of nature and softens the transitions between the areas of activity. These elements contribute to the laid-back atmosphere of the third spaces and complement an environment brimming with life.

Design: Taktik Design
Project Team: Cynthia Papineau, Nicola Tardif-Bourdages, Maxime Bompais, Lucas Saenger, Sebastien Leclerc, Jean-Luc Simard
Contractor: JCB Construction Canada
Photography: Maxime Brouillet