Photo credit: David Boyer The new Espace citoyen des Confluents, a new architectural and social landmark in eastern Laval, Quebec, by Cardin Julien, aims to address a demand for public infrastructure in the neighbourhood. The project, built on a 13-acre site that once housed a petrochemical plant, features a library, meeting spaces, a multifunctional theatre, and a police station. It transforms a former industrial site into a space that aims to be a model of sustainable urban renewal. Photo credit: David Boyer Inspired by the ecological principle of eco-morphosis, the designers have created a project unique to the site. The building’s layout on an undeveloped lot made it possible to optimize its alignment along an east-west axis, maximizing its bioclimatic efficiency. In opting for south-facing surfaces, the building’s elongated and angled volume fosters the intake of passive solar energy, while reducing direct thermal gains on the east and west facades. This arrangement helps to improve the project’s thermal comfort and energy performance, while accentuating its presence as a landmark that can be spotted from avenue Huguette-Gaulin. Photo credit: David Boyer The openings are carefully positioned and punctuated with brise-soleils. Site integration is at the heart of the architectural approach with its linear, slightly angular volume, making the building stand out as a defining landscape feature. Sustainability is a key premise of the project, and all design decisions were made to achieve performance standards, which go beyond the goal of LEED v4 Gold certification. The integration of passive and active energy strategies into the architecture is a central component of the project’s identity. Photo credit: David Boyer Inclusion and community values guided the interior design objectives. The building program is structured around a central axis: a large entrance hall, designed as a convergence point for interaction and discovery. Opening onto the northern and southern outdoor spaces, it creates a link between the site’s southern and northern areas. Photo credit: David Boyer The building proposes several modular spaces that can be adapted for various uses and group events. The roof’s wooden decking and natural light also aim to create a warm atmosphere that enhances the experience of visitors. Conceived by Projet Paysage, the landscaping is based on the highest environmental criteria, with the aim of transforming a site marked by industrialization into a living, resilient space. A dense plant canopy helps reduce heat islands, while an educational arboretum enriches visitors’ experiences by raising awareness of local ecosystems. Photo credit: David Boyer Espace citoyen des Confluents also took an approach to rebalancing mobility and promoting universal accessibility. The site encourages a harmonious coexistence between pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, while also facilitating access to public transit. The exterior features have been designed to reduce car dependency and encourage active travel. The overall project incorporates the principles of universal accessibility. With its bioclimatic approach, social roots, and exemplary landscape integration, Espace citoyen des Confluents is a model for Laval’s future municipal infrastructures. Technical sheet: Project name: Espace citoyen des Confluents Location: Laval, Québec, Canada Client’s name: Ville de Laval Year of construction: 2024 Area: 5750 m2 Construction budget: CAD$34 million Environmental certification: LEED Or Architecture : Cardin Julien Engineering : WSP Landscape architecture : Projet Paysage Scenography : GO Multimedia Engineering – Telecommunications : Dupras-Ledoux Construction : Groupe GEYSER Art work : Ludovic Boney Photography : David Boyer The post New Espace Citoyen des Confluents transforms former industrial site into sustainable urban renewal model appeared first on Canadian Architect.