Théâtre Le Diamant
2014
Québec City, Quebec, Canada- Architecture for culture, research, sport or leisure
- Building
- Theatre
THE DIAMANT
After years of intense activities on the international market, Ex Machina wishes to ensure a significant presence in Quebec through a permanent and flexible venue at the technological forefront, which will showcase the world's best creations to regional, national and international clienteles: The Diamant.
The Diamant will host not only Robert Lepage and Ex Machina productions, but will also show circus and opera as well as innovative artistic proposals. Indeed, in its programming, the Diamant will focus on inventive stagings, mixed disciplines and proposals that revolve around the explorations of theatrical forms. The artistic vision guiding the Diamant corresponds with the mission of Ex Machina which is constantly looking to develop new scenic languages and a different relationship to the representation.
THE SITE
Acquired by the Diamant in 2011, the site is located at Place d'Youville in the heart of the historic district of old Québec. It is currently occupied by the Cabaret du Capitole (formerly the Cinéma de Paris built in 1948), by Jac & Gil Smoking and by the old YMCA building, constructed in 1879. The site is landlocked between the Des Glacis Condominiums on the North side and the Théâtre Capitole on the East side. St-John and Des Glacis Streets are respectively bordering the South and West sides. The site's dimensions are approximately 32.7 meters wide by 58.1 metres long, including the area occupied by the YMCA.
The new project involves the complete demolition of the Cabaret du Capitole and the Jac & Gil. As the MCC requires the conservation of the three (3) facades of the old YMCA on Place d'Youville and the Des Glacis Street, the conservation or the demolition of the structure of this significant building is still an option.
The actual entrance to the Cabaret du Capitole overlooks the Place d'Youville between the Capitole Theatre and the YMCA building. Two (2) restaurants, which deploy their terrace in summer, occupy the ground floor of the YMCA; this function will be maintained. This site is facing the Place d'Youville, occupied by a skating rink in winter (from November to March) and by one of the scenes of the Summer Festival. It is a place of entertainment important to old Quebec.
The Diamant will therefore occupy an exceptional and unique site in Quebec, adjacent to three fronts to Place d'Youville, in joint ownership with the Théâtre Capitole de Québec. Given the strong vertical drop of the site, the five facades of the project will be visible (including the roof), in whole or in part, from different points of views of the city of Québec. Indeed, the very steep topography of the site and the configuration of the surrounding streets will allow pedestrians to enjoy the building from many points of view. Therefore, the project acts as a landmark and acquires an architectural significance in the urban landscape.
Located in the heart of the historic district of old Québec, classified world heritage of the Unesco, the Diamant project will have to respect the regulatory requirements of the zoning by-law in this sector, but will also match the architectural guidelines developed by the Ministry of Culture and Communications, which has jurisdiction in this medium.
VISION - MEMORY OF THE PLACE
The personality of a place is reflected in its architecture: the choice of volumes, styles and materials express and clarify its identity. It is an opportunity to make a gesture that will cross time. Thus, it is important to take the time to think about what vision should be conveyed throughout the project. In the case of the Diamant, several elements are blended to build a collective identity, a signature of Quebec City.
Architectural periods
Different types of architecture mingle on Place d'Youville, including the art deco style of the hall of the old Cinéma de Paris, rare in Quebec. This natural crossroads of Québec was the witness of all periods in the history of the city. The architectural concept of the project must marry modernity with the heritage of the past.
Diverse functions
The buildings of the Diamant project and the Place d'Youville have accumulated various functions: shops, bars, halls shows and cinema, catering, sports (swimming pool, bowling alley), accommodation, exhibitions, public market, gatherings, etc. It is considered important to mention the patrimonial aspect of the buildings, but also of the Place d'Youville itself.
Geographical location
The Place d'Youville is at the heart of Quebec City, the meeting point of the lower-city of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and old-Quebec, ingrained on Cape Diamant. The Capitol, the Palais Montcalm and soon the Diamant are all interacting in this sector.
Therefore, we realize that both the Diamant and the Place d'Youville are hubs amalgamating a multitude of elements, reflecting the fusion of the disciplines in the work of Robert Lepage. Hence, the Diamant architecture should act as a bridge between all of these elements. The architecture is both a salute to the past and a look towards the future, a symbol of history and an expression of the identity of the place. The idea of 'temporal crossroad' is expressing this vision.
(From competition program)
(Unofficial automated translation)
After years of intense activities on the international market, Ex Machina wishes to ensure a significant presence in Quebec through a permanent and flexible venue at the technological forefront, which will showcase the world's best creations to regional, national and international clienteles: The Diamant.
The Diamant will host not only Robert Lepage and Ex Machina productions, but will also show circus and opera as well as innovative artistic proposals. Indeed, in its programming, the Diamant will focus on inventive stagings, mixed disciplines and proposals that revolve around the explorations of theatrical forms. The artistic vision guiding the Diamant corresponds with the mission of Ex Machina which is constantly looking to develop new scenic languages and a different relationship to the representation.
THE SITE
Acquired by the Diamant in 2011, the site is located at Place d'Youville in the heart of the historic district of old Québec. It is currently occupied by the Cabaret du Capitole (formerly the Cinéma de Paris built in 1948), by Jac & Gil Smoking and by the old YMCA building, constructed in 1879. The site is landlocked between the Des Glacis Condominiums on the North side and the Théâtre Capitole on the East side. St-John and Des Glacis Streets are respectively bordering the South and West sides. The site's dimensions are approximately 32.7 meters wide by 58.1 metres long, including the area occupied by the YMCA.
The new project involves the complete demolition of the Cabaret du Capitole and the Jac & Gil. As the MCC requires the conservation of the three (3) facades of the old YMCA on Place d'Youville and the Des Glacis Street, the conservation or the demolition of the structure of this significant building is still an option.
The actual entrance to the Cabaret du Capitole overlooks the Place d'Youville between the Capitole Theatre and the YMCA building. Two (2) restaurants, which deploy their terrace in summer, occupy the ground floor of the YMCA; this function will be maintained. This site is facing the Place d'Youville, occupied by a skating rink in winter (from November to March) and by one of the scenes of the Summer Festival. It is a place of entertainment important to old Quebec.
The Diamant will therefore occupy an exceptional and unique site in Quebec, adjacent to three fronts to Place d'Youville, in joint ownership with the Théâtre Capitole de Québec. Given the strong vertical drop of the site, the five facades of the project will be visible (including the roof), in whole or in part, from different points of views of the city of Québec. Indeed, the very steep topography of the site and the configuration of the surrounding streets will allow pedestrians to enjoy the building from many points of view. Therefore, the project acts as a landmark and acquires an architectural significance in the urban landscape.
Located in the heart of the historic district of old Québec, classified world heritage of the Unesco, the Diamant project will have to respect the regulatory requirements of the zoning by-law in this sector, but will also match the architectural guidelines developed by the Ministry of Culture and Communications, which has jurisdiction in this medium.
VISION - MEMORY OF THE PLACE
The personality of a place is reflected in its architecture: the choice of volumes, styles and materials express and clarify its identity. It is an opportunity to make a gesture that will cross time. Thus, it is important to take the time to think about what vision should be conveyed throughout the project. In the case of the Diamant, several elements are blended to build a collective identity, a signature of Quebec City.
Architectural periods
Different types of architecture mingle on Place d'Youville, including the art deco style of the hall of the old Cinéma de Paris, rare in Quebec. This natural crossroads of Québec was the witness of all periods in the history of the city. The architectural concept of the project must marry modernity with the heritage of the past.
Diverse functions
The buildings of the Diamant project and the Place d'Youville have accumulated various functions: shops, bars, halls shows and cinema, catering, sports (swimming pool, bowling alley), accommodation, exhibitions, public market, gatherings, etc. It is considered important to mention the patrimonial aspect of the buildings, but also of the Place d'Youville itself.
Geographical location
The Place d'Youville is at the heart of Quebec City, the meeting point of the lower-city of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and old-Quebec, ingrained on Cape Diamant. The Capitol, the Palais Montcalm and soon the Diamant are all interacting in this sector.
Therefore, we realize that both the Diamant and the Place d'Youville are hubs amalgamating a multitude of elements, reflecting the fusion of the disciplines in the work of Robert Lepage. Hence, the Diamant architecture should act as a bridge between all of these elements. The architecture is both a salute to the past and a look towards the future, a symbol of history and an expression of the identity of the place. The idea of 'temporal crossroad' is expressing this vision.
(From competition program)
(Unofficial automated translation)