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September 25, 2020
News

Innovative vehicle institute unveils first pictures of its new building

Last November, the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation granted $12.7 million in financial assistance to the Cégep de Saint-Jérôme for the construction of the Innovative Vehicle Institute’s (IVI) new building. After almost a year of planning in collaboration with the Cégep de Saint-Jérôme and the City of Saint-Jérôme, IVI is very proud to finally unveil the first images of this unique Canadian space which promises to be the site of many future innovations.

The new building, designed by the architectural firms BGLA and Atelier Idea as well as the engineering firm GBi, reflects the value at the core of the IVI, i.e. innovation. This new space, which brings together all of the organization’s activities under one roof, will allow the IVI to pursue its growth and better meet the growing demand of Quebec companies that wish to be supported in the electric and intelligent vehicle sector.

A building based on sustainable development

The new 2,650 m2 edifice will take the form of two pavilions connected by walkways architecturally reproducing the institute’s logo. The structure features solid wood construction with a blend of steel and concrete, achieving an aestetic blend of natural and industrial materials. In order to maximize the energy efficiency of the new construction, the designers have chosen to use both passive solar and geothermal energy.

The architecture features generous south-facing fenestration to let the sun in during the Canadian winter. Summer overheating and glare are managed by a clever combination of architectural sun-breakers and strategically located hardwood trees. In addition, the selected exterior cladding requires minimal maintenance and the materials will be locally sourced wherever possible.

IVI’s General Director, François Adam, P.Eng. is very proud of the results.

“The architects and engineers who collaborated on this project have understood the essence of what drives the IVI, placing sustainable development at the heart of the concept. In addition, our future premises will reflect the values of our team members, which are innovation and ingenuity. I’m so excited to see the team move in because this space will allow the IVI to tackle more projects and further increase our impact on the electric, autonomous and connected vehicle industry”.

The Cégep de Saint-Jérôme is also excited about this project.

“Audacity and sustainability, two concepts that are deeply rooted in the Cégep de Saint-Jérôme’s DNA, so much so that they are key aspirations of our Strategic Plan. Two concepts that also transpire in this beautiful project to expand the Innovative Vehicle Institute! With this new building, the IVI and the Cégep de Saint-Jérôme will have the means to achieve their ambitions, namely to sustain a position of leadership in innovation in Quebec! “says Nadine Le Gal, Executive Director of the Cégep de Saint-Jérôme.

The same goes for the City of Saint-Jérôme.

“The City of Saint-Jérôme is pleased to donate land for this project and thus contribute to the growth of the Innovative Vehicle Institute in collaboration with the Cégep de Saint-Jérôme. It is by joining forces that we will be able to respond adequately to the major challenges of our time, such as climate change. In the interest of sustainable development, it is essential to be bold and innovative. Saint-Jérôme is proud to be able to count on leaders such as the IVI, who help the city shine on a large scale,” said Stéphane Maher, Mayor of Saint-Jérôme.

Construction to begin in the spring of 2021

The building will be built on the land donated by the City of Saint-Jérôme, located on Claude-Audy Street in the industrial district. The construction call for tenders will be issued next December and the groundbreaking ceremony will be held in the spring of 2021. The IVI plans to inaugurate its new innovation center in the summer of 2022.