Elevated Commons

The design's primary move is to create a functional yet monumental roofscape that extends the public space of the quad. The roof's stepped design forms spaces for study, seating for performances, and roof gardens for rainwater collection. In winter, the snow-covered roof becomes a slope for informal sliding, while in warmer weather, it functions as bleachers for outdoor events. Beneath the roof, the original structure remains largely unchanged.

Two key architectural elements pierce the roof to enhance connectivity between the roof and the spaces below. These elements serve as gardens, reading spaces, and circulation cores while also supporting the roof structurally, alongside a timber column grid. Each uses a different timber species, promoting sustainable forestry practices by supporting biodiversity and reducing the environmental risks of monoculture.

Instead of sourcing timber from distant regions, the project proposes using timber from Quebec, benefiting from geographical proximity and the St. Lawrence River's carbon-efficient transportation route. Water transport, with its lower carbon footprint compared to road transport, further supports the project’s environmental goals. Collaborating with the Quebec Wood Export Bureau ensures access to sustainably harvested and processed timber, while also reducing transportation costs.