The redevelopment project for the Great Hall fulfills the client's multiple objectives: updating the brand image, modernizing student living spaces, efficiency of circulation spaces, and durability of the new facilities. With a surface area of 850 m2, the venue includes spaces adapted to various functions: student café, cafeteria-type spaces, student radio, event space, collaborative areas for study or schoolwork, and circulation spaces, including a main circulation path through the Great Hall.

Challenges specific to the project

The design aimed to make this space an iconic location, adopting a distinctive and modern approach. The main issues that the new development had to address were:

- Circulation: Considering the fact that nearly 2,700 students cross the Great Hall every day to move between the old part of the college and the new one.

- Capacity: Accommodating up to 1,000 people at lunchtime or 1,700 for a gathering.

- Corporate image: As the college administration had completed a process of updating the brand image when the project was launched, it was important that the new logo, the coat of arms and the color burgundy be clearly integrated into the project.

- Sense of belonging: Create a place that students can make their own.

Concepts and strategies developed

The space is divided into 3 main zones feature a transition of atmospheres. The first one, which is open, flexible and lively, and is home to the student radio station and a grandstand, among other things, is a multifunctional event space, and an informal space for socializing. The second, which brings together the main circulation and socialization areas, with a variety of seating and distinct styles, also allows louder activities to be held. And the third reinterprets the language and configuration characteristic of the student café, offering a less noisy space, isolated by planting troughs, and suitable for small group meetings.

To create a friendly environment that would meet the needs of current students, but also those of the coming decades, the design approach focused on the versatility and flexibility of the spaces. The furniture and lighting were selected according to purposes and considering the needs and expectations of the students.

This major redevelopment of the Great Hall was part of an overall action by Collège Brébeuf as it approached the 100th anniversary of its foundation. As a result, elements that identify the institution, including the coat of arms, the color burgundy and the logo, have been integrated into the architecture of this space. The arch, which can be seen in the logo, in the school's coat of arms and at the entrance to the main pavilion, was chosen in terms of its material, color and shape to highlight the central aisle, without detracting from the perception of the various gathering areas. With its wide range of atmospheres, the Great Hall meets all the needs expressed and is becoming an essential space in student life. Indeed, the general enthusiasm and increased use of the Great Hall confirmed that the new configuration perfectly met expectations.