Staging the landscape of La Fontaine Park, a necessary renovation by Lemay
29/08/2023.
[Montreal] Canada
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
Nestled in Montreal’s La Fontaine Park—one of Montreal’s greatest greenspaces—the Théâtre de Verdure reopened on June 30th 2022, with a bold renovation and a first-rate stage infrastructure by architecture firm Lemay.
Originally inaugurated in 1956, the emblematic site is a well-known cultural and arts hub, hosting thousands of free shows over the years that have ranged from dance and music to theatre and circus—and now, performers of all stripes will take to its stage to kick off its summer program of 30 free performances.
The theatre has now been enhanced with a new 4-season concept that redefines the relationship between theatre and park, architecture and landscape, and the built and the natural.
Originally inaugurated in 1956, the emblematic site is a well-known cultural and arts hub, hosting thousands of free shows over the years that have ranged from dance and music to theatre and circus—and now, performers of all stripes will take to its stage to kick off its summer program of 30 free performances.
The theatre has now been enhanced with a new 4-season concept that redefines the relationship between theatre and park, architecture and landscape, and the built and the natural.
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Sylvain Légaré. Image courtesy of Lemay
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
Sketch. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Site plan. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Ground floor plan. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Section. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Rendering. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Rendering. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Rendering. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Rendering. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Rendering. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Rendering. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Rendering. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Rendering. La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay.
Lemay’s new design frames the landscape of La Fontaine Park and opens onto it, the architecture of the Théâtre de Verdure maximizes views of both the stage and the surrounding green space. The result is a new green, modern, and lively public space that offers a vibrant place for lovers of arts and culture to witness unforgettable moments.
"Intervening on the Théâtre de Verdure was an incredible opportunity to offer its visitors an architectural, landscape, and artistic experience. In an approach where the limits between the two became blurred, the project developed as a vast scenography of the landscape through architecture."
Eric Pelletier, Senior Partner at Lemay and Lead Designer on the project.
The site’s reanimation goes beyond the notion of a standalone stage and creates a new theatrical destination integrated with nature. Completed with a first-rate stage infrastructure, the venue is ready to host major outdoor artistic productions, comfortably accommodating crowds of up to 2,500 spectators who can watch from the space’s seats or dedicated greenspace.
Lemay applied the sustainable strategies of its NET POSITIVE™ framework to minimize the project’s impact on the environment. Locally available materials were preferred, such as Douglas fir, which is native to Canada, over ipe, a Brazilian wood species that is often used in similar structures.
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
Project description by Lemay
The redevelopment of Montreal’s Théâtre de Verdure has enabled the creation of a new and stimulating space, open and accessible to all, to perpetuate the mission of this venue renowned for its outdoor performances.
An emblematic site in La Fontaine Park, the Théâtre de Verdure has hosted countless shows since its inauguration in 1956, until its temporary closure in 2014 due to decaying facilities.
In order to breathe new life into this enchanting site, the Lemay team developed a concept based on the relationship between architecture and landscape, theatre and park, the built and the natural. This reflection is part of a broad, inclusive, and pluralistic vision where the development relies on continuity with the landscape to offer coherent, relevant support to the architectural intervention giving new life to the Théâtre de Verdure.
The result is a theatre with a first-rate stage infrastructure that can comfortably accommodate a crowd of 2,500 spectators and host major outdoor artistic productions while integrating sensitively into the landscape.
La Fontaine Park’s Théâtre de Verdure by Lemay. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
Opening onto the park, dematerializing its facades, and maximizing views, the architecture of the Théâtre de Verdure frames the landscape of La Fontaine Park. Its different uses are arranged in such a way as to promote cohabitation and synergy between the theatre and the park. The new venue thereby acts as a theatre, a park, an object, a garden, and an open window onto the magnificent site it occupies at the heart of La Fontaine Park.
The new Théâtre de Verdure reaffirms its heritage-steeped identity thanks to a sensitive rehabilitation that has also enabled a bold new design.
“I like the layering of the material creating the stage sides, and the way it frames views. It’s very light—you see it in different ways as you move around it. It’s not an imposing structure but takes its place within the park in a very natural and comfortable way. It’s modest, but it has a presence.” Michael Moxam, juror, Canadian Architect Awards.
More information
Architects
Lemay. Architecture and Landscape architecture.
Project team
Eric Pelletier, Marie-Eve Parent.
Collaborators
Mechanical and electrical engineering.- Bouthillette Parizeau.
Structural engineering.- Calculatec Inc.
Civil engineering.- Marchand Houle.
Acoustic specialists.- Atelier 7Hz.
Forestry engineering.- Luc Nadeau.
Scenography.- Trizart Alliance.
Regulations.- Technorm.
Structural engineering.- Calculatec Inc.
Civil engineering.- Marchand Houle.
Acoustic specialists.- Atelier 7Hz.
Forestry engineering.- Luc Nadeau.
Scenography.- Trizart Alliance.
Regulations.- Technorm.
Contractor
Axe Construction.
Client
Ville de Montréal.
Dates
Opening.- 30 June 2022.
Location
Montreal, QC, Canada.
Photography
Adrien Williams, Sylvain Légaré.
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).
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