École secondaire du Bosquet: Forest-Inspired School Design

In the Saint-Nicéphore district of Drummondville, Quebec, École secondaire du Bosquet embodies a unique architectural dialogue between education and nature. Designed collaboratively by ABCP, Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux, and Bilodeau Baril Leeming Architectes, the school seamlessly integrates with its surrounding forest, offering students an environment rooted in biophilic design and sustainability.

Architects Behind the Vision

The collaboration among three leading architectural firms brought diverse expertise to this project. Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes, recognized for their people-centered, sustainable designs, played a pivotal role in ensuring the school’s longevity and ecological footprint. ABCP architecture, with its extensive experience in institutional projects and wood construction, lent their deep understanding of creating healthy, environmentally integrated spaces. Bilodeau Baril Leeming Architectes, with a strong focus on human-centric environments, contributed innovative design solutions tailored to the school’s educational and communal needs. This multidisciplinary effort ensured that the project reflected both technical precision and a strong connection to its surroundings.

Design Concept: Harmony with Nature

The design narrative of École secondaire du Bosquet revolves around the seamless integration of architecture and nature. Situated on the edge of a wooded area, the school celebrates its location through a layout inspired by the forest’s stratification. The building’s materiality incorporates transparency and vertical relief, mirroring the interplay of light and shadow within the woods.

Expansive windows frame views of the forest, ensuring a constant connection with nature, while bronze-toned aluminum panels mimic the hues of the surrounding trees. These thoughtful details create a warm, inviting ambiance, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The Biophilic Square, a central public space featuring benches and greenery, acts as the heart of the campus, reinforcing the omnipresence of nature.

Functional Spaces Designed for Collaboration

Spanning over 19,000 square meters, the school accommodates a variety of academic, artistic, and athletic activities. It includes 43 classrooms, six science labs, and eight arts facilities, all designed to foster creativity and collaboration. The 400-seat auditorium and a central library, flooded with natural light, provide spaces for both learning and community engagement. Athletic facilities, including a quadruple gymnasium, underline the importance of physical well-being in education.

Outdoor spaces, including a richly planted courtyard and walking trails, further enhance the school’s functionality, offering students opportunities to engage with their environment. These elements highlight the architects’ commitment to creating a holistic educational experience that nurtures both academic and personal growth.

A Model of Sustainable Design

École secondaire du Bosquet is a testament to environmentally conscious architecture. Targeting LEED® v4 Silver certification, the school prioritizes energy efficiency and sustainability. Its design and material choices echo the architects’ dedication to reducing environmental impact while maintaining a high-quality learning environment.

Having opened its doors to students in August 2024, the school is already celebrated for its innovative design, earning prestigious awards such as the Distinction Award from the Association de l’enveloppe et des revêtements muraux du Québec and a Platinum Award in the Grands Prix du Design.

Technical Sheet