Centre d'accueil et d'interprétation de la Place-Royale / Place-Royale Visitor and Interpretation Centre
1996
Québec City, Quebec, Canada- Architecture for culture, research, sport or leisure
- Building
- Museum
In November of 1996, the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), in collaboration with the Musée de la civilisation, launched a national architectural competition of ideas for the rehabilitation of the Hazeur and Smith Houses situated on Québec City's Place Royale. This unique consultation concerned the restoration of two adjacent houses on the Place Royale, in which were to be integrated; a welcome and interpretation centre, as well as commercial and residential units. Globally, this competition was to stimulate neighbourhood activity surrounding Place Royale, while incorporating a tourist component. Situated within Old Québec City, this public square, included in UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites, was to recover its original vitality in order to create a sense of belonging in the routine of local citizens.
A mixed programme was therefore to be introduced within the Hazeur and Smith Houses, of which remained little more than their Place Royale facades. The challenge was to design an architectural project that was contemporary while respecting and complementing, rather than mimicking, the surrounding build environment. "Reflection was necessary to ensure to this urban district, the authenticity and vitality of a built-environment, significant within the daily lives of its citizens." (from ARQ, October 1997, no.99, p.14) By means of this competition, the organizers desired that Place Royale become a true residential and tourist neighbourhood.
The results of this competition, (all fifty-four proposals), were exhibited at the Musée de la civilisation in Québec City and the Centre de design de l'UQAM in Montréal.
(CCC text)
A mixed programme was therefore to be introduced within the Hazeur and Smith Houses, of which remained little more than their Place Royale facades. The challenge was to design an architectural project that was contemporary while respecting and complementing, rather than mimicking, the surrounding build environment. "Reflection was necessary to ensure to this urban district, the authenticity and vitality of a built-environment, significant within the daily lives of its citizens." (from ARQ, October 1997, no.99, p.14) By means of this competition, the organizers desired that Place Royale become a true residential and tourist neighbourhood.
The results of this competition, (all fifty-four proposals), were exhibited at the Musée de la civilisation in Québec City and the Centre de design de l'UQAM in Montréal.
(CCC text)