Architecture
Project: Wax dome
Program: Formalistic and programmatic critique
Location: Montréal, Canada
Team: Mikkel Bøgh
Advisers: Manon Asselin,Katsuhiro Yamazaki & Howard Davies
Year: 2008
The original wax café scheme by Manuel Cisneros was based on the existing grid of the McTavish Reservoir dealing with three separate dome volumes connected via two short tunnels. The umbrella-like structure was a single column in the center supporting a number of radial art nouveau beams reaching from the top of the column to the grass surface.
By extruding the columns in the existing grid through the surface in different heights and connecting these columns with a series of straight beams a continuous surface is formed, creating the opportunity of gathering the program of the domes under a single roof. To make sure the building does not obstruct with existing walking paths across the reservoir, the grass surface is allowed to flow over the glass roof. By making a shortcut during the day where the wax panels are transparent one is given a glimpse of the ongoing exhibitions.
