“With its large openings to the outside, Gatineau’s École secondaire de la Nouvelle-Ère is very bright. The layout revolves around a double-height atrium, the school’s liveliest space. This space, bathed in natural light, is bordered by a monumental staircase and a mezzanine corridor leading to the classrooms and library. Opening onto the rear courtyard with a series of benches at its perimeter, it creates a natural amphitheater in continuity with the outdoors.”

On the second floor, a green roof has been installed at the junction of the two pavilions to provide a pleasant view from some classrooms and the library.

The library overlooks the atrium and has access to a roof terrace for the use of students and teachers.

“I couldn’t have hoped for a roof terrace, so I think it’s really next level. Beyond the fact that it’s a beautiful school—it’s evident, everyone agrees—and that it will meet a need that was, let’s say, glaring, the beautiful spaces like those of this generate something other than just awe. They inspire creativity, productivity, and a desire to excel. Whether you are a youth at school or an adult working in your profession, beautiful places make you want to give 110 percent.” (Le Droit, December 14, 2021)

Resembling an agora, the atrium is a generous, multi-purpose gathering space in which a lowered floor creates seating and a ramp around the perimeter, akin to bleachers.

About the artwork

The first part of the work—three wall elements, 1.19 metres in diameter and made of painted aluminum, reminiscent of the round windows marking the entrance—evokes geological formation as a metaphor for the process of learning. The wall elements are composed of strata that represent different academic subjects and the colours used are those of the school. As you walk toward the large atrium you encounter the second part of the work, a large aluminium relief work on the wall, measuring 5.34 metres in diameter and with a polished, mirrored finish. Inspired by the motion of a double pendulum, which is usually chaotic, this part of the work evokes the possibility of multiple pathways.

“A connection is thus established with the pathways of the students, who with a little effort and perseverance will define their own route. Every journey is unique. Although we must sometimes fail, we must get caught up in the game and use many routes to get to where we want to be, to learn...”

To meet the program, constraints, and parameters of the school, a dense, compact volume was required. Great attention was then paid to the treatment of the envelope and its openings to ensure the volume would have a welcoming character, a strong presence on the street, and a coherence. The carefully selected blend of bricks—in yellow, beige, ochre, and earth tones—harmonizes with the exposed wood at night, when they’re visible through the large windows, and with the while aluminum panels during the day, creating a bright, inviting chromatic palette. Perforated panels cover the gymnasium windows facing the parking lot and inner courtyard, so that activities are not disrupted by passing students or excessive light.

While the site of the school was too small to accommodate outdoor sports facilities, it was possible to use part of the access road for firefighters that surrounds the building to install running tracks.

To encourage sustainable mobility, a covered area for bicycle parking was included south of the school. Every measure was taken to ensure universal accessibility and obstacle-free routes, with all entrances to the building at ground level.

“I am delighted with the opening of École secondaire de la Nouvelle-Ère, which had become essential in order to meet the strong demographic growth in the Aylmer district. I would like to thank all of the partners who have provided the students and staff with a beautiful, modern school, which offers an inspiring environment conducive to learning and academic success.” (CSSPO, December 14, 2021)