The first sketches of the future Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, produced by the winning firm in the architectural competition, Cardin Ramirez Julien + Ædifica, were unveiled on September 15.
A true oasis of greenery in the midst of this concrete space, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will be set between the Olympic Stadium and the Biodôme. It will meet LEED Platinum standards, the highest in green construction standards. Two huge tubes pointed skyward, emerging from a green roof, will evoke observation instruments, like telescopes gazing out into the Universe. At their base, spheres representing stars will house the two star theatres, each offering unique visitor experiences. All three levels of the building will receive abundant natural light, with a view of a wooded area and new green spaces.
The winner of the two-stage international architecture competition for the design of the city’s new science museum was announced on May 22, 2009.
The concept submitted by the firm Cardin + Ramirez et Associés, Architectes, was selected among the five finalist submissions. “The winning project combines innovation, daring and energy efficiency in addition to immersing visitors in nature. Moreover, the building’s architecture fits seamlessly into the site and the project’s solid environmental aspects will ensure that the future Planetarium attains LEED platinum certification. (…),” says jury chair and Executive Director of Montréal’s Nature Museums, Charles-Mathieu Brunelle.
The winning firm, established in 1991, joined forces with Ædifica_Architecture + Design, SNC Lavalin, Dupras Ledoux engineers and Fauteux et Associés Architectes Paysagistes for the second and final phase of this international architectural competition. The multidisciplinary team, some of whose members are Quebec experts in LEED certification, is highly interested in buildings promoting renewable energy sources and sustainable development.
Six criteria were used in studying the architectural concepts: the innovative environmental approach and the quality of the integration of the chosen LEED credits; the originality of the museum concept in keeping with the architectural ensemble; the quality of the experience of the indoor spaces in keeping with the functional and technical program requirements; the fit between the solution and the program requirements; compliance with the budget and the quality of the team.
Official opening slated for 2012
Once the architectural and engineering professional services contract has been awarded, the winning firm will prepare the plans and specifications for the project by spring 2010. Construction is expected to begin next summer and the official opening is scheduled for 2012.
