PALOU LA COCCINELLE DAYCARE CENTRE
The project aimed at the expansion and redevelopment of an early learning center located in a residential area of Pointe-aux-Trembles. The childcare centre originally welcomed 78 children, including 10 infants, in a two-story facility. Given the growing demand in the neighborhood, the management of the daycare studied the idea of doubling its capacity by adding a second facility which could accommodate 80 additional children.
Built in the 1980s, the existing building presents typical architecture of this period which fits well, by its typology, into the surrounding district. However, the building is located at the head of the block, on the important axis of Notre-Dame street. A more contemporary approach was therefore chosen for the treatment of the extension which is seen as an annex to the existing building. The two buildings thus use a very different vocabulary and are only connected by a glazed vestibule in order to allow transparency towards the rear courtyard and to mark the detachment of the two volumes.
The addition of a red canopy marks the entrance to the new facility and brings users to inhabit the space between the two buildings. Its bright color, reminiscent of the ladybug, emblem of the daycare, brings color and adds to the playful character of the project.
Finally, the use of 2 types of windows was put forward; large fixed windows as observation windows for children in each room and smaller opening windows, as portholes. Their somewhat random position on the facade brings dynamism to the volume and encourages play. Inside, the choice of units and their positioning contribute to the creation of themed zones in the play areas.
The volumetric and architectural style chosen for the expansion of the daycare aim to highlight the dynamic and fun program of the building and to create interesting visual breakthroughs for children. The sober materials chosen for the new installation reduce the visual impact of the building in order to create a dialogue with the existing and to integrate into the neighborhood.
