Terri Meyer Boake B.E.S. B.Arch. M.Arch.
Associate Professor School of Architecture University of Waterloo

Case Studies in Canadian Sustainable Design:
Image Gallery:

Caisse de Depots et Placement

Eric Gauthier Architect

Montreal, Quebec

 

About the building:

The photos below were taken during a site visit in May 2002. The building was under construction. The tour was conducted by Andre Potvin of University of Laval who did much of the consulting on the design of the skin, and Eric Gauthier, the architect.

for more information about the building http://www2.destinationcdp.com/plan.asp

  

Closer view of skin from exterior.
A view of one of the cutouts in the building. Note the enormous truss. The building is constructed on top of the Ville Marie expressway.

A view up into one of the large atriums.
The interior showing the specialized glazing.

Return air is drawn through an opening behind the inner glass skin to warm the 150mm cavity - then the air is taken into the return air plenum.
Here you can see how the inner glass skin opens for ease of cleaning. The outer glazing is double glazed.
The building has operable windows for individual control of fresh air. Window shown open.
View into northwest corner of building.
View out of the west facade, late afternoon in May.
The sun comes in from the south west, late afternoon in May.
View of main atrium space that runs at a 9 storey height for the full length of the 3 blocks.
 View up the main staircase into the main atrium. At the top of that staircase sits a "mean lady" that tells that photography is not permitted!! Given the security around, I think they are serious. But why make an interesting (and expensive) building and then get incensed when people want to take pictures???
View from the top floor through the steel down into the atrium.
 View through the atrium from an upper floor.
View along walkway adjacent to atrium.
 View down into main atrium space.
View up into the overlooking office space above the main entrance lobby.
 Main front entrance opposite the Palais du Congres nearing completion.

The images on this site have been taken for use in my teaching. They may be copied for educational purposes. Please give credit. These images may not be reproduced commercially without written consent.

last updated March 8, 2008