LACHINE, Quebec — The revitalized Marie Esther Pavilion is the latest in a decade of major renovations led by Taktik Design at Collège Sainte-Anne's near Montreal.

In this 1980s-era building, classrooms were originally laid out around a central core, forming closed-loop hallways with little activity and no clear sense of destination. To breathe new energy into both floors, the design strategy focused on opening up several of the central zones. This shift gave way to vibrant gathering spaces for students, while large new windows in each classroom now allow natural light to flow into the heart of the building.

On the ground floor, the reception area is now a feature thanks to the removal of the enclosures. The emphasis placed on the emblematic color of the school, the use of several Nordic wood species, and the integration of the school’s animal totem in a seated position creates an inviting environment and an enriching experience for visitors. A little further down the corridor, a “meditation zone” was added to provide students a moment of respite from the busy focus of academia.

On the upper level, a central space brewing with energy takes form under two skylights. The offices of the Secondary Level 1 management team have set up shop here to be in the heart of the action and to establish direct contact with their students. Each level of this structure features wood seats with cushions for added comfort, surrounded by greenery, favoring both comfortable social interactions and moments of calm.

Work zones were also set up around tables, with benches under suspended ceilings made of felt which define the space and provide sound absorption. The furniture here brings flexibility to the area, while creating a welcoming ambiance allowing for a smooth transition between working in teams and taking a friendly pause.

Various murals featuring graphics of organic matter punctuate the hallways and bring forth an exciting dialogue with the architecture. The generous integration of luxurious plant life reinforces the presence of nature and softens the transitions between the areas of activity. These elements contribute to the laid-back atmosphere of the third spaces and complement an environment brimming with life.

Technical credits
Project manager: Cynthia Papineau
Collaborators: Nicola Tardif-Bourdages and Maxime Bompais
Graphic design: Lucas Saenger
Taktik furniture installers: Sebastien Leclerc and Jean-Luc Simard
Contractor: JCB Construction Canada

Suppliers
Custom furniture: Design et réalisation par Taktik design
Cabinetmaker : Les industries de Sous-traitance
Graphic printing: Jean-Yves Arcand pour Lamcom Technologies
Blue cow: Atelier Décor 3d
Various furniture: Steelcase, Teknion, Forma 5, Pattio 
Conference room chairs: Allermuir 
Lighting: Lumentruss, Lumigroup, Nuspace, Tungstene
Custom cushions: Atelier 30six
Plants: Planterra
Cow neon: Enseignes Pinecrest
Felt roof: Recnau
Carpets: Interface and Mohawk group
Whiteboards: CCTN