Science Complex at Outremont Campus | MIL Campus | Université de Montréal

This remarkable university campus located on the site of the former Outremont marshalling yard offers a real urban solution to revitalize a wasteland industrial zone and re-establish the link between various neighborhoods fragmented by the former use of the site. Through its strategic location, the Science Complex becomes the heart of this project, the mission of which is to promote the training, development, retention and attraction of the best international researchers.

The first building to be located on the site, the complex is divided into two volumes located on either side of the north-south axis formed by the extension of Wiseman Street. The "blue line" runs through the site, both a common thread that links Acadia and Outremont stations and a public space emblematic of the project, guiding the user to the heart of the new site. A central outdoor square, crimped by the volumes of the Education and Science centers, completes this large complex and marks the main access to the building.

Deployed to the east of the "blue line", the Science center is divided into two linear wings of six floors linked together by the reception hall and a set of walkways. It brings together teaching and research laboratories, offices of professors and researchers, student cafes as well as the administration of four departments: Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Geography. The reception hall is presented as an exhibition showcase, a space around which the exchange activities and elements of synergy of the Science cluster are organized, guaranteeing the Pavilion all its dynamism.

On the west side, the Education pole includes the library, classrooms, amphitheatres and an agora. The amphitheatres are grouped near the main entrance to the Pavilion and juxtaposed to form a four-storey sculptural mass, staged by a large glass wall acting as a signal element for the entire campus. Central element of the project, the library unites the two poles and is revealed in multiple levels linking the ground floor to the basement. Located under the "blue line", it unfolds around two large landscaped courtyards which are offered to users as an element of contemplation and which open up visual perspectives on the pavilions and other components of the complex. The agora that adjoins it is the pivotal point of circulation and a significant meeting place where students, teachers and researchers can meet and discuss.

A major scientific center totaling nearly 60,000 m² and aiming for LEED NC certification, the Science Complex will bring together more than 35 research chairs. In addition to contributing to the international scientific influence of the University of Montreal and boosting all research activities, this integrated urban complex will allow the requalification of an entire sector of the city through the development of a creative and innovative district.

In consortium with Lemay / MSDL architects