AGORA DES ARTS
This project is a competition submittal for the recycling of a church into a new cultural centre in a Northern mining city of Quebec. The entrance at street level offers a transparent lobby with an inviting bar-cafe. The main performance space is housed in the former nave with new raked seating and cheerful colours.
Location 170, avenue Murdoch, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada
Status Competition, Finalist 2018
Client Agora des Arts
Type Theatre, Performance, Cultural, Public
Building Area 2 080 m²
Seating Capacity 200
New Entrance and Cafe
A new contemporary glazed entry-hall-foyer is proposed at ground level with a setback from the street, creating a front terrace for people to gather.
The bar-cafe is located in a glass box that sits at the corner of the site. Topped with the company’s logo, its generates activity during the day. This is a new trend to maximize the use of theatres.
A series of point lights on the cafe ceiling creates a canopy like effect, with red glass panes associated with entertainment and pleasure.
The Foyer as a Gallery
The theatre’s foyer is a deambulation space linking the ticket booth, cloakroom and bar-café.
A door in the red wall gives access to the stair leading to the main performance space above.
The Auditorium in the Nave
Located in the nave of the former church, the auditorium is housed in a space with narrow proportions topped with a vaulted ceiling.
Red and black create a deep dramatic mood in the side aisles while a yellow and black printed image creates interest above, in the tradition of decorated ceilings often seen in more traditional theatres.
New Seating, Better Visibility
The cross section shows the new raked seating layout. To improve sightlines, a tiered disposition maximizes the visibility of the stage at the orchestra level as well as for the balcony.
The seating technology is based on a modular design with removable seats.
A cabaret configuration is thus possible with chairs and round tables.
Discreet Elements
The transformation keeps the church’s qualities while introduces contemporary elements that make it look and feel like a theatre.
The glass, the colours and the lighting bring new life to the building, making it the new home of the Agora of the Arts.
The Plans
The spaces are organized along the central axis aligned with the bell tower to reinforce the church’s geometry and create easy flow.
The main auditorium with the stage is located in the former church nave on the main level, one storey above the street. Below the auditorium, the community hall becomes the rehearsal room that can also be used for receptions in connection with the foyer.
The presbytery is used to house the backstage and support spaces like the dressing rooms, the green room and storage.
The administation offices are located on a separate floor of that connected building.
Project Team
Architect Atelier Paul Laurendeau | Artcad | Architects in joint venture
Project Architect and Lead Designer Paul Laurendeau
Structural and Civil Engineering Latéral s.e.n.c. + DWB consultants
Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Pageau Morel and Associates
Theatre Consultant Guy Simard
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