Posts by Paul Laurendeau
Maniwaki Theatre Renewal
Maniwaki Theatre Renewal
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Maniwaki Theatre Renewal

The project about is the transformation of a school auditorium into a professional theatre. For years, the local Cultural Center occupied the school auditorium to host its program after its permanent venue burnt down in 2009. After receiving a public grant, it launched an architectural competition to initiate the process to transform the auditorium.

Location 211, rue Henri-Bourassa, Quebec, Canada

Status Completion expected 2020

Client Maison de la culture de la Vallée-de-la-Haute Gatineau

Type Theatre, Performance, Cultural, Public

Building Area 1 710 m²

Seating Capacity 423

 

The Red Window

The purpose of the transformation is to create a new vibrant identity in a functional building to attract the public.

The key architectural element is a red glass facade that opens the existing fish shaped building by creating transparency with colour. The grey wood shingle slanted facade is replaced by a contemporary wall that set apart the new theatre from the 1967 school.

 

The Auditorium

The auditorium renovation transforms the balcony in a horseshoe shape. That configuration creates an interaction between the public of the balcony and the orchestra.

Black and red colours create a dramatic mood appropriate for theatres. Point lights add glitter and emphasize the curved walls.

 

The Foyer Revisited

The foyer of the new theatre is twofold: it consists of a wide circulation space used by students to access the school cafeteria and a lobby that encircles the auditorium, separated by a glass partition.

 

From 1967 to 2019

What used to be an auditorium connected to a school like a classroom, becomes a building in its own right.

The entrance to the theatre is no longer shared with the school. A separate direct access is created beside the new glass wall.

 

The transformation of the plan

The existing plan undergoes a major transformation.

 

From Classroom to Horseshoe Balcony

From straight rows to horseshoe shape, the new balcony hugs the space and creates a centre. Its side arms create boxes that bring spectators closer to the stage and generate reciprocal views with the audience sitting in the orchestra seats below.

 

Adding Structure

To support the new floors and spaces, a steel structure is added inside and outside of the existing auditorium volume.

 

Project Team

Architect Paul Laurendeau | Poulin Laurin + Parent-Labelle | Architects in Joint Venture
Project Architect and Lead Designer Paul Laurendeau

Structural Engineering Latéral + DWB Consultants

Civil Engineering N Sigouin Infra-conseils

Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Pageau Morel

Theatre Consultant Guy Simard + Go multimédia

Acoustics Sonar

Code consultant Technorm

Project Management Ed Brunet

 
 
THEATREPaul Laurendeau
Agora des Arts
Agora des Arts
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AGORA DES ARTS

This project is a competition submittal for the recycling of a church into a new cultural centre in a Northern mining city of Quebec. The entrance at street level offers a transparent lobby with an inviting bar-cafe. The main performance space is housed in the former nave with new raked seating and cheerful colours.

Location 170, avenue Murdoch, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada

Status Competition, Finalist 2018

Client Agora des Arts

Type Theatre, Performance, Cultural, Public

Building Area 2 080 m²

Seating Capacity 200

 

New Entrance and Cafe

A new contemporary glazed entry-hall-foyer is proposed at ground level with a setback from the street, creating a front terrace for people to gather.

The bar-cafe is located in a glass box that sits at the corner of the site. Topped with the company’s logo, its generates activity during the day. This is a new trend to maximize the use of theatres.

A series of point lights on the cafe ceiling creates a canopy like effect, with red glass panes associated with entertainment and pleasure.

 

The Foyer as a Gallery

The theatre’s foyer is a deambulation space linking the ticket booth, cloakroom and bar-café.

A door in the red wall gives access to the stair leading to the main performance space above.

 

The Auditorium in the Nave

Located in the nave of the former church, the auditorium is housed in a space with narrow proportions topped with a vaulted ceiling.

Red and black create a deep dramatic mood in the side aisles while a yellow and black printed image creates interest above, in the tradition of decorated ceilings often seen in more traditional theatres.

 

New Seating, Better Visibility

The cross section shows the new raked seating layout. To improve sightlines, a tiered disposition maximizes the visibility of the stage at the orchestra level as well as for the balcony.

The seating technology is based on a modular design with removable seats.

A cabaret configuration is thus possible with chairs and round tables.

 

Discreet Elements

The transformation keeps the church’s qualities while introduces contemporary elements that make it look and feel like a theatre.

The glass, the colours and the lighting bring new life to the building, making it the new home of the Agora of the Arts.

 

The Plans

The spaces are organized along the central axis aligned with the bell tower to reinforce the church’s geometry and create easy flow.

The main auditorium with the stage is located in the former church nave on the main level, one storey above the street. Below the auditorium, the community hall becomes the rehearsal room that can also be used for receptions in connection with the foyer.

The presbytery is used to house the backstage and support spaces like the dressing rooms, the green room and storage.

The administation offices are located on a separate floor of that connected building.

 

Project Team

Architect Atelier Paul Laurendeau | Artcad | Architects in joint venture
Project Architect and Lead Designer Paul Laurendeau

Structural and Civil Engineering Latéral s.e.n.c. + DWB consultants

Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Pageau Morel and Associates

Theatre Consultant Guy Simard

 
 
THEATRE, PUBLICPaul LaurendeauROUYN-NORANDA, CANADA
Performance Stage & Pavilion
Performance Stage & Pavilion

Photo Mélanie Dusseault

 

PERFORMANCE STAGE & PAVILION

A new stage along the Saint-Lawrence River reveals the magnificent scenery on the horizon. The white reflective roof creates a protective frame around the performers. The gazebo like structure becomes a belvedere and observation platform that draws the public closer to the water.

Location 12 090 Notre-Dame Street East, Montreal, Canada

Status Built 2018

Client City of Montreal

Type Theatre, Performance, Cultural, Public

Building Area 150 m²

 

A Significant Location

The pavilion is positioned at the intersection of paths the City of Montreal is creating along the shore line. It is designed as a destination and point of interest in the landscape. From one direction, the roof and columns create a frame towards the river. From another direction, its platform forms boardwalk that becomes an observation deck over a stone retaining wall.

Photos Adrien Williams

 

Music along the River

The pavilion is a public work financed by the City of Montreal to give local citizens access to the water. It serves as a stage for cultural events and performances during the summer months.

The white cylinder is a subtle while distinct insertion in the lush scenery.

Photos Adrien williams and Mélanie Dusseault

 

The Lighting

A series of recessed spot lights at the base of the columns illuminate the roof in a dramatic way.

Lights pointing up enhance height in any space, especially vertical element like columns.

Photos Adrien Williams

The Roof and the Horizon

The client was concerned about the pavilion interfering with the view on the river. In response, the roof height was set to match the horizon line.

During the winter, the pavilion is perceived as a delicate white structure along the shore.

Photo Ville de Montréal

 

The Materials

The base of the pavilion is made of exposed natural materials that keep their intrinsic qualities with time.

The columns and roof are made of steel structural elements and smooth aluminum cladding, painted in high gloss white. The top and bottom parts create a parallel composition, one linked with the terrain, the other with the horizon.

Photos Adrien Williams

 

Project Team

Architect Atelier Paul Laurendeau
Project Architect and Lead Designer Paul Laurendeau

Structural Engineering Latéral s.e.n.c.

Electrical Engineering Induktion

Theatre Consultant Mario Laliberté

General Contractor Arthier

 
 
Paul Laurendeau
Fashionlab Design Agency
Fashionlab Design Agency
 
Photo Marc Cramer

Photo Marc Cramer

 
 

FASHIONLAB DESIGN AGENCY

The recycling of a car showroom from bookshop, to arts centre to design office. A subtle architectural intervention values the space’s original qualities, a long gallery framed with columns in a white environment.

Location 314, Sherbrooke Street East, Montreal, Canada

Status Built 2001 - Demolished 2009

Client Chantal Gagnon

Type Office, Showroom, Gallery

Floor Area 460 m²

 

The Window

A new glass window creates a transparent surface between the front exhibition space and the administration offices split on two levels.

The transparency increases the space’s depth and reveals the closely spaced back columns that terminate the perspective.

There are no mullions between the glass panes to emphasize the frame.

Photos Marc Cramer

 

The Golden Section Proportion

Architecture is about proportion. We are concerned with the proportions of our bodies. Architecture is not different.

But what is the right proportion in architecture? The Golden Section defines a rectangle considered harmonious. Surprisingly, a Golden Section rectangle fits between the columns, from floor to ceiling. This is the proportion used for the new glass wall.

 

The Details

The archtectural feature of the project is the glass partition. The panes are joined with a silicone joint and laterally braced at mid height with a glass stiffener that connects the wall to the mezzanine.

 

Very Tall Washrooms

The washrooms take advantage of the exhibition hall’s ceiling height.

Unexpected, it is a surprise to enter a small shaft to take care of private business.

 

The Red Floor

It is one thing to have a red floor. It is another to discover how it makes the ceiling appear pink. Pink was not intended but became part of the project.

White surfaces are great to diffuse ambient colours. They make the columns become discreet silhouettes.

 

The Lighting

The lighting in the washroom is made of a series of type traditional bulbs screwed in a dissimulated socket located in a built-in steel case.

Intended for fashion conscious people, this simple design is based on the dressing room principle seen in theatres. The face must be evenly lit.

 
 

The Solid Handrail

Solid handrails are best. They ground you with the building.

In the case of Fashionlab, they are made of a solid steel bar of 32 mm diameter — as opposed to most handrails made from hollow tubes.

The steel’s mass can be felt at the touch. The grip feels secure. The sound is muted.

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The Montreal Gazette

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Project Team

Architect Paul Laurendeau

Structural Engineering NCK

Mechanical/Electrical Engineering BPA

General Contractor Yergeau Cart Construction

 
 
Paul LaurendeauMONTREAL
Alphonse Desjardins Theatre
Alphonse Desjardins Theatre
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Alphonse Desjardins Theatre

The Alphonse Desjardins Theatre is a competition submittal that proposes a black symmetrical theatre on an open site to form a composition with an existing Arts Center. A plaza between the buildings serves as a gathering space for this new cultural hub.

Location 25, allée de la Création, Repentigny, Quebec, Canada

Status 2018 Competition (Finalist)

Client Repentigny City

Type Theatre, Performance, Cultural, Public

Building Area 2 800 m²

Seating Capacity 275 to 400 according to seating configuration

 

A Symetrical Composition

A thick black roof, glass curtain walls, translucid images and a bloody red box with a mysterious hole in its centre confirm that the building is a theatre.

 

The Auditorium

The project proposes a warm while entertainment space, what people come to expect in a theatre. Mixing traditional colours, cherry red and deep black to create contrast and drama, it is about comfort and excitement.

 

The Foyer

The roof is designed in reference to a canopy in the tradition of theatres. A series of lights create glitter.

At night, the translucent purple character and the interior wall with a printed velvet curtain show the building’s identity on the plaza and invite the public to come in.

 

The Facades: a Box within a Box

The building being on an open site, all facades are created equal with varying degrees of transparency.

The circulation spaces form a loop between the black outer volume and the interior red volume containing the auditorium and stage.

 

The Plans

The plan must be clear and efficient to allow a theatre to function properly.

A circulation circles around the stage and auditorium volume. On the left side of the plan are the backstage spaces, on the right side, the foyer and the plaza.

 

Structure

A conventional steel structure rests on pile foundations. Roof girders are designed to frame the central spaces without columns.

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Project Team

Architect Atelier Paul Laurendeau + DKA Architectes
Project Architect and Lead Designer Paul Laurendeau

Landscape Architect Projet Paysage

Structural Engineering Latéral + DWB Consultants

Mechanical/Electrical Engineering SNC-Lavalin

Theatre Consultant Guy Simard

Cost Consultant Legico-CHP

 
 
THEATRE, PUBLIC, CULTURALPaul Laurendeau
Théâtre de Verdure
Théâtre de Verdure
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Open Air Theatre

The “Théâtre de Verdure” is an existing open air amphitheatre located in the La Fontaine Park in Montreal. It is in need of renovation and updating. Designed in 1956 as an outdoor cinema, its programing has shifted towards dance and comedy. The stage must be increased in size, there must be a permanent roof to suspend the props, it must also integrate in the landscape of the park.

Location 4020, avenue du Parc-La Fontaine, Montréal, Canada

Status Feasibility study 2016

Client City of Montreal

Type Theatre, Performance, Cultural, Public

Site Area 2 800 m²

Seating Capacity 3 000

The Stage and the Park

The proposed stage, used for 3 months of the year for shows, is equipped with sliding back and side panels to make it an accessible pavilion during the remaining 9 months.

The stage’s backdrop was originally a projection screen for movies.

 
 

An Island that becomes a Boardwalk

Built on an artificial island, the original stage of 1956 turned its back on the lake.

The new stage is designed as a park pavilion and esplanade that gives access to the water.

 

A Flexible Stage

The new proposed stage is designed as a platform with a roof supported by two columns and two technical cores that store a series of sliding panels.

The panels allow to close the back and sides of the play area for shows.

The stage island is linked with the existing path network. It is no longer a barrier, but becomes part of the landscape.

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The cross section shows the evolution of the amphitheatre, from the original 1956 design, to the 2004 adaptation, to the 2016 proposal.

 

The Seats

The purpose of the renovation is to make the amphitheatre accessible and inviting throughout the year. The agora must allow a crowd to attend a show.

Rows of wood blocks laid in an arc pattern create a series of steps and surfaces to sit and rest. There are no backrests to allow people to hop from one row to another.

The original stage was much smaller. It had an orchestra pit and two side towers for projector lights and speakers.

 
 

Closing the Loop

The renovation of the open air amphitheatre makes it an all year pavillon. The island is made accessible.

The theatre functions are located under the stage to free the views and be secure.

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The Plan

The Theatre de Verdure is similar to the Cogeco amphitheatre project in scale. The seating capacity of 3 000 (including the lawn) is similar to the total seating of 3 500. The stage of this project accepts smaller shows and does not have the technical capacities of the Cogeco.

This building is expected to blend in the landscape rather than being an urban landmark.

 

Project Team

Architect Atelier Paul Laurendeau
Project Architect and Lead Designer Paul Laurendeau

Theatre Consultant Guy Simard

 
 
THEATRE, PUBLIC, CULTURALPaul Laurendeau
Drolet-Villeneuve Housing
Drolet-Villeneuve Housing
 

DROLET VILLENEUVE HOUSING

This housing project densifies a central borough of Montreal by proposing a building twice the allowed height. The 6 storey building has recessed upper floors as seen in New York City and Paris to let light in and offer balconies. A wood fence creates a privacy wall at street level. A double height central gateway leads to the central courtyard.

Location 4680, Drolet Street, Montreal, Canada

Status Unbuilt, Urban Study 2010

Type Housing, Private

Land Area 1013 m²

Building Area 3 690 m²

Building Height 20 m²

Number of Housing Units 34

Density 3.64

 

The Megabloc and the Haussmanian influence

The design is inspired from European housing models that create density and street presence with brick and stone. The idea is to have a mass along the street and an inner court for the residents that brings in light.

The clear geometry, high ceilings and vertical proportions are praised in this contemporary interpretation.

 
 

The Courtyard and the Balconies

The courtyard gives two opposing facades to most dwellings. It allows for cross ventilation and light to enter the apartments.

The long and narrow balconies are designed as an extension of the interior spaces.

 

The Floor Plan

The plan is a grid of 8 squares measuring 10 x 10 meters each. Two inner squares are void and represent the court.

Each dwelling occupies one or two squares. The slenderness of the volume allows to have windows in each room, including kitchen and bathroom.

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The Dwelling

The plan of a corner dwelling is laid out on 2 floors with an interior stair. In lieu of views insite the court, its corner position provides windows on two perpendicular exterior walls.

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The Facades

The simple rectangular geometry is reflected in the facade composition. Tall vertical proportions alternate between fill and void, between glass and brick.

 

The Materials

We love our buildings for what they are made of. Brick, concrete, glass and wood make up the solid surfaces that ground the daily experience in a soft aging materiality.

 
 
Paul Laurendeau
Event Scenography
Event Scenography
Photo Marc Gibert

Photo Marc Gibert

 

DESERT - EVENT DESIGN

Location Incinérateur des Carrières, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Status Completed 2004 and removed (temporary event)

Client Champ Libre

Type Theatre, Performance, Cultural, Public

Occupied Area 7 000 m²

 

The Visitor’s Walk

The event is designed to view video artworks in a decommissioned incinerator, making architecture part of the experience.

The layout creates a path between different zones of the site and links inside and outside spaces of the imposing building.

Photo Marc Gibert

 

The Lighting of the Concrete

The incinerator is a concrete volume with monumental spaces and a spiraling ramp for the trucks to access the upper floor and dispose of their load. The most effective way to give life to a building is to light its walls with different colours and emphasize its shapes and textures.

A pile of rocks designed by vlan paysages is meant to evoke urban construction and the rocks that were formerly extracted from the site.

Photos Marc Gibert

 

The Ramp and the Containers

Steel containers house individual video installations, laying out the event on the site and linking the spaces together.

Photos Marc Gibert

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The Screens

The major interior spaces were used to project artworks. The artist Isabelle Hayeur emphasized the perspective of a tunnel with a screen showing an infinite path to an imaginary landscape.

Photos Marc Gibert

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Press Articles

 

Invitation Flyer

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Project Team

Architect Paul Laurendeau

Electrical Engineering Dupras Ledoux

 
 
Paul Laurendeauincinérateur des carrières