MCGILL UNIVERSITY – LEACOCK BUILDING

Montreal, Quebec – 2008-2009

This project was undertaken for McGill University’s Leacock Building.  The project stems from the decision to put the building up to code by installing a new fire protection system in the entire building.  Following a detailed code analysis and exhaustive coordination meetings and plans, the most effective solutions were decided upon and enacted for the installation of the new electromechanical systems.  All the while, TAD monitored the possible architectural consequences of these solutions to ensure that any changes would affect as little as possible the architectural character of the existing building.

TAD was also responsible for making sure that the technical and architectural works would effectively conceal all vents, wiring, sprinkler heads and other equipment. The building’s architectural style and structural system (a visible concrete structure with a deep caisson system) forced major compositional restrictions when designing potential solutions. Furthermore, interconnected floor spaces on the first two levels added to the complexity of the design. TAD’s presence during this project ensured that the architectural character and integrity of the building was maintained during these essentially mechanical and electrical interventions.