Located in the Barrhaven neighborhood of Ottawa, École secondaire Pierre-de-Blois is a thoroughly modern institution, placing bright and welcoming shared spaces at the heart of its design.
Built in the middle of the pandemic and inaugurated in 2022, this new 11,000 m² Francophone public school currently accommodates 680 students, with a potential capacity for 1 000 students.
École secondaire Pierre-de-Blois deploys two main wings connected by an entrance hall crossing the space. Bathed in natural light, the entrance hall opens onto a vast landscaped school yard. Consisting of three storeys, the academic wing encompasses 21 classrooms, rooms dedicated to visual and performing arts, four scientific laboratories, three information technology laboratories, in addition to one fabrication laboratory – an experimentation and production workshop with cutting-edge technology.
The design team ensured that the shared spaces could serve multiple purposes. For instance, the large gymnasium can be transformed into three separate gyms, suitable for both educational activities and various gatherings.
A multipurpose trail runs along the perimeter of the site, connecting sidewalks, bike paths, and community trails, offering pedestrians a safe and pleasant route to the school entrances.
The materials used, partly recycled, were sourced mainly from local supply chains. Windows are strategically positioned to maximize natural light and offer the best views, benefiting every occupied space in the building. The most expansive glass walls highlight the common areas. The cafeteria faces south, while the library and computer labs enjoy the soft, even light from the north.
Architecture
Provencher_Roy
Landscape Architecture
James B. Lennox & Associates Inc.
Electromechanical
LRL Associates Ltd.
Structure
Cunliffe & Associates Inc.
Civil Engineering
LRL Associates Ltd.
