École du Zénith in Shefford, Quebec, was designed by Pelletier de Fontenay + Leclerc Architectes. Lined with a series of interconnected low-scale pavilions, the courtyard plays a central role in the entire composition. Photo by James Brittain
For the longest time, Quebec?s schools, like many schools in Canada, were associated with humdrum architecture. This was not particularly because of the architects involved (often a stable roster of firms), but because of unimaginative programs, poor budgets, and overemphasis on security issues. Flat roofs were the norm?as were artificially lit corridors, predictable classrooms, and paved yards surrounded with chain-link fencing.
At École du Zénith, large sculptural skylights bring natural light deep into the building, particularly in the collaboration space and above the bleachers. Photo by James Brittain École du Zénith, competition section
And then, on November 7, 2017, totally out of the blue, an unexpected trio held a press conference. Chef Ricardo Larrivée and triathlete Pierre Lavoie, both darlings of Quebec media, had joined forces with well-known architect Pierre Thibault. They were determined to prove that if you provided children with joyous, dynamic learning spaces, if you encouraged them to be physically active, and if you engaged them in learning to prepare healthy meals, you just might have a tremendous impact on their future?and on the future of our societies. As Ricardo put it, the trio hoped to create condition...