A new glass envelope to protect a brutalist icon. Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21
10/05/2021.
[Quebec] Canada
metalocus, ALMUDENA PERLAZA
metalocus, ALMUDENA PERLAZA
The renovation of the Theater of Quebec, an icon of brutalist architecture located in the city of the same name, just over 400 kilometres from the Canadian capital of Ottawa, projected by the Lemay and Atelier 21 studios, has just received four awards for its excellence.
Two of them have been by Ordre des architects du Québec, which has awarded the project with the highest honours of the jury and the public's choice, in addition, SAB magazine has awarded the project with the Green Building Award, and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada has recognized it for his innovative prowess.
Two of them have been by Ordre des architects du Québec, which has awarded the project with the highest honours of the jury and the public's choice, in addition, SAB magazine has awarded the project with the Green Building Award, and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada has recognized it for his innovative prowess.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21. Photograph by Stephane Groleau.
Design approach. Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21.
Composition of the glass casing. Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21.
Construction details. Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21.
Construction details. Grand Théâtre of Québec by Lemay and Atelier 21.
The renovation project by the Lemay and Atelier 21 studios consists of modifying as little as possible the existing structure of the building, which due to its age is quite fragile, the new proposal seeks to correct many of the building's problems, while making it a more efficient and sustainable building.
The project seeks to maintain and protect the existing, for this, the architects designed an exterior curtain wall structure that functions as a second facade that, in addition to protecting the building, houses a system that allows heat recovery and thermal mass that makes the building more efficient.
The project seeks to maintain and protect the existing, for this, the architects designed an exterior curtain wall structure that functions as a second facade that, in addition to protecting the building, houses a system that allows heat recovery and thermal mass that makes the building more efficient.
Description of project by Lemay and Atelier 21
Grand Théâtre de Québec’s restoration project has just been awarded four prestigious awards of excellence. Two have been presented by the Ordre des architects du Québec - the jury’s highest honors and the public’s choice. SAB Magazine has also recognized the project with the Green Building Award as well as the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, for its innovative prowess.
Prized for its brutalist architecture, the Grand Théâtre de Québec is a cultural icon. Lemay and Atelier 21 were tasked with restoring and protecting the building’s crumbling outer shell and its emblematic Bonet mural, inside.
The new envelope is a delicate response to a complex problem. In developing corrective measures for the building’s many weaknesses, the transdisciplinary team produced a sustainable, innovative solution: adding a transparent, glass curtain wall to the concrete structure.
The glass casing was carefully designed in continuity with the structure developed by Victor Prus, the original architect, and the mural work of Jordi Bonet, enshrined by Prus’ protective outer shell. Discrete and almost immaterial at times, it reflects its surroundings and becomes the main interface with the city, adding an additional theatrical act in the discovery of this significant Quebecois work.
As designed, the thin wall of protective glass shields the Grand Théâtre from the elements by creating a secondary, tempered envelope housing a low-flow heat recovery and thermal mass system. The system is both energy-efficient and economical. Beyond its primary function, the new layer acts as an extension of the original building it protects, using the same finely tuned structural logic and composition.
Any alteration to the architecture had to be severely limited, says Eric Pelletier, architect and design principal at Lemay. The building’s fragility paired with the inability to directly access the concrete anchors posed a major challenge – with work on the building proceeding during normal daytime and evening theatre operations.
“Similar to a play having been written 50 years ago, we had to revitalize le Grand Theatre using a new script that would resonate with a new generation, all while respecting and embracing Prus’ original work.”
Eric Pelletier, architect, design principal at Lemay.
More information
Architects
Original project architect.- Victor Prus. Restoration.- Lemay and Atelier 21.
Dates
Year 2020.
Location
Quebec, Canada.
Photography
Louis T. Lemay, Marc Bouchard, Isabelle Giasson, Pierre Larouche, Michel Lauzon Lemay
Lemay. Founded in 1957 as an architectural firm, Lemay is one of Canada’s leading integrated environmental design firms, combining architecture, urban design, interior design, landscape architecture, structural engineering, and branding into a multidisciplinary and synergetic offer. Now well established in Canada, the United States, China, Algeria, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, Lemay brings together nearly 350 professionals who offer their creativity to support their clients’ business strategies.
Recognized by Deloitte as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies, Lemay is also a leader among integrated design firms. Lemay—one of Canada's most-awarded firms— creates distinctive projects of all scales and complexities. In recent years, Lemay has been the driving force behind several landmark projects that have garnered attention here and abroad, most notably the New City of El-Menia in Algeria, the STM Stinson transport center, the Place d'Armes, the Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, the Mount Stephen Hotel Complex, the Astral Head Office and the Centre Bell (in a consortium).
Christian Bernard, Patrice LaRochelle y Carlo Peirolo. Atelier 21
Atelier 21 is a Canadian architecture firm located in Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Born from the group of three architects - Christian Bernard, Patrice LaRochelle and Carlo Peirolo, the agency is located on the 21st floor of 800 Place d'Youville, in the ports of Old Quebec.
Christian Bernard is an architect and studio leader, he has more than 35 years of experience as a project manager, a fact that has given him a great reputation in Quebec. The quality of the projects led by the architect has stood out with dozens of awards and accolades, including two awards for excellence in architecture from l'Ordre des architects du Québec.
Carlo Peirolo is one of the associated architects, he graduated from Laval University in 1987. His final degree project was awarded a mention of excellence, considered among the best students in his class. Since 1989, he has been named a finalist 16 times and has won a Certificate of Recognition from the Québec City Planning Commission five times, which aims to recognize excellence in architecture in the Old Capital.
Patrice LaRochelle, is one of the associated architects, has extensive experience as a project manager specializing in negotiation, drafting of contractual documents and dispute prevention. Since 2004, when Atelier 21 was created, Patrice LaRochelle has worked as the chief architect of important projects for the firm.
Christian Bernard is an architect and studio leader, he has more than 35 years of experience as a project manager, a fact that has given him a great reputation in Quebec. The quality of the projects led by the architect has stood out with dozens of awards and accolades, including two awards for excellence in architecture from l'Ordre des architects du Québec.
Carlo Peirolo is one of the associated architects, he graduated from Laval University in 1987. His final degree project was awarded a mention of excellence, considered among the best students in his class. Since 1989, he has been named a finalist 16 times and has won a Certificate of Recognition from the Québec City Planning Commission five times, which aims to recognize excellence in architecture in the Old Capital.
Patrice LaRochelle, is one of the associated architects, has extensive experience as a project manager specializing in negotiation, drafting of contractual documents and dispute prevention. Since 2004, when Atelier 21 was created, Patrice LaRochelle has worked as the chief architect of important projects for the firm.
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