Place des Canotiers
Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI)
Category
Commercial and administrative , Plot requalification , Public spaces and parks
Client
Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI)
Location
Quebec (Québec) / Canada
Date
2016
Budget
39 M$
Area
-
Credits
© images : Daoust Lestage + ABCP
Architecture, urban design and landscaping : Daoust Lestage + ABCP
Structural and civil engineering : Tetra Tech QB Inc. et CIMA +
Electromechanical engineering : CIMA +
Construction manager : Pomerleau
Awards and mentions
Prix spécial du Jury des Mérites d’architecture de la Ville de Québec
Cecobois Award of Excellence, "Landscaping and other structures" category
Medal Recipient of the National Urban Design Award - Urban Architecture of the Royal Institute of Architecture of Canada
Description
Inspired by the wooden wharves of the 19th century, Place des Canotiers breathes new life into this historic landing place by drawing the public back to the riverside. Its landscaped areas are a place for strolling and relaxing, while the textured cobblestones of the walkways suggest the waves visible from the old streets of the port. A blanket of sea spray intermittently engulfs the area. Diagonal paths featuring works of art link the wharves to the city. To the north, layered wood defines and structures a long pathway that emerges into hanging gardens, leading to an intoxicating viewpoint. That is where Place des Canotiers truly reveals itself, an island of green moored between the historic town and the river of its birth. Behind the wooden artefact is a parkade, artfully concealed to free up all of the site’s space and allowing Quebecers to reconnect with their maritime roots while welcoming visitors from all walks of life.