the Wilder’s training studios among the most beautiful dance
spaces in the world.
“The Wilder Building as we know it today is the result of a
sustainable and integrated design strategy, involving a building’s
energy performance, but also the revitalization of a building in
its urban space,” says Guy Favreau, Vice President, Sustainable
Design, at Ædifica.
Holding workshops on integrated design processes from the
beginning of the project allowed building owners and partners
to focus on the key components of the design strategy.
“The installation of a translucent and insulating glass on the walls
of the new construction allowed us to optimize the diffusion of
natural light while offering an energy efficient envelope,” adds
Patrick Bernier, architect and project director, at Ædifica.
Performance, luminosity and comfort
By adding a double-wall skin to the existing facade, the team
improved the building’s energy performance and also provided
additional display support for the retransmission of images
captured during special events.
Careful consideration was given to the integration of natural
light and the optimization of views to the outside, thus placing
The team also developed a raised floor system ensuring optimal
performance of a low-speed ventilation system, an efficient
air-conditioning and the administrative spaces, in addition to
concealing the electrical distribution system of lighting and fire
protection, with specific regard for the comfort of occupants.
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
Other eco-friendly measures worthy of mention include the
reuse of the existing building structure and envelope to maintain
its heritage value and reduce the quantity of new materials
required; the development of a white roof to counteract the
heat island effect, the appropriate disposing of more than 4,150
tonnes of contaminated soils and, finally, the diverting of more
than 78 per cent of construction waste from landfills through
recycling.
THE DESIGN OF THIS CULTURAL COMPLEX REQUIRED
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION BY INTEGRATING THIS
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING INTO THE URBAN FABRIC OF
MONTREAL’S QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES.