Life Sciences Complex – McGill University

Building insertion on the site was one of the project’s greatest challenges. From a technical standpoint, the site was very narrow, had a significant slope, and part of it was occupied by an existing underground parking lot. It was also located very close to several heritage homes in the Golden Square Mile as well as to the protected Mont-Royal area. Therefore, it was necessary to build a 17,000 m² facility without making it obvious, in order to secure the agreement of all stakeholders.

To encourage the use of alternative transportation and minimize the heat island effect, no new parking spaces were added on site.

Additionally, the building is located less than 700 metres from Peel metro station and less than 400 metres from at least three bus routes. About forty bicycle parking spots were added, along with five showers and a locker room. All landscaping, both at ground level and on the 625 m² green roof, is composed of native plants requiring no irrigation. Finally, nighttime lighting on the site is designed to be efficient and to prevent light pollution.

The new pavilions of the complex fit harmoniously into a site bordered by historic residences of the Golden Square Mile to the east and by the natural heritage of Mont-Royal Park to the north. The considerable slope of the site, running from north to south, encouraged a segmented layout of the complex, where each component houses a specific function and allows all service functions to be buried. Furthermore, built in a very dense urban area, the construction enabled the continued operation of adjacent buildings.