Xinran Ji, Mylène Moliner-Roy, François Sabourin
U3 Studio | Instructors: Martin Bressani, Aaron Sprecher, Leslie Lok, Victor Simion
The aim of this studio is to investigate and test architecture’s capacity to construct collective identity by creating a psycho- geographical focus for Concordia University’s downtown Montréal community. The exploration is structured around the design of a new student center and residence configured as a high-rise tower located on the narrow site at the widening of Maisonneuve Boulevard at the Guy Street intersection.
We propose a collective space for students constellating above the center of Concordia’s downtown campus. With a minimal footprint, the building rises above the city to provide an umbrella for large exterior social gatherings, its eastern- most tower providing a focal point for the entire Boulevard de Maisonneuve. The core of the structure is a space truss system within which is nested an immense auditorium that serves as collector for all important students activities. At its perimeter, a threshold space dissolves gradually, allowing occupants to observe the city below them. Three towers rise above, providing student residences and various other support spaces. At night, the constellation lights up.