Centre d'interprétation du Bourg de Pabos / Bourg de Pabos Interpretation Center
1991
Pabos Mills, Quebec, Canada- Architecture for culture, research, sport or leisure
- Building
- Museum
Rich in both archaeological and tourist appeal, the Bourg de Pabos, situated in proximity to the City of Chandler in the Gaspésie region, became the site of an architectural competition for the construction of an Interpretation Centre. This contest was launched in 1991 by the Corporation du Bourg de Pabos - an organization formed in 1981 for the conservation and improvement of the Pabos site. The goal of the new facility was to communicate and interpret the history of colonization, the first Seigniorial settlements and the large fisheries that were so important to the region. "Architecture should enhance the interpretation itself of the place and be used to structure the planning of the entire site. The aim of the architectural competition is to clarify the message and media expression using architecture as support."
(Taken from the brochure "Le centre d'interprétation Bourg de Pabos," coordinated and written by Odile Hénault)
Prior to the competition, several locations, appropriate to the programme, were identified on the site. The programme included: a pedestrian trail along the beach in proximity to certain archaeological remains washed ashore by the tide, the forest camouflaging the site was to accommodate campers and adventurers and an existing clearing would offer the ideal site for the Interpretation Centre. The building itself was to provide multi-functional and administrative spaces, a dining hall, snack bar and terrace within a building limited to approximately 300m2. The selected project was to show a tourist potential in order to attract and keep visitors within the area as they conclude their tour of the Gaspésie region. The site interpretation concept was also of great importance.
Cormier, Cohen, Davies architects (Atelier Big City) won this competition and their built project received additional recognition when it was awarded the Grand Prize and the Award of Excellence in 1994, (institutional architecture category), from the Québec Order of Architects as well as the Canadian Governor General's Award.
(Taken from the brochure "Le centre d'interprétation Bourg de Pabos," coordinated and written by Odile Hénault)
Prior to the competition, several locations, appropriate to the programme, were identified on the site. The programme included: a pedestrian trail along the beach in proximity to certain archaeological remains washed ashore by the tide, the forest camouflaging the site was to accommodate campers and adventurers and an existing clearing would offer the ideal site for the Interpretation Centre. The building itself was to provide multi-functional and administrative spaces, a dining hall, snack bar and terrace within a building limited to approximately 300m2. The selected project was to show a tourist potential in order to attract and keep visitors within the area as they conclude their tour of the Gaspésie region. The site interpretation concept was also of great importance.
Cormier, Cohen, Davies architects (Atelier Big City) won this competition and their built project received additional recognition when it was awarded the Grand Prize and the Award of Excellence in 1994, (institutional architecture category), from the Québec Order of Architects as well as the Canadian Governor General's Award.