Building & Investment (Jan - Feb 2016) (Jan - Feb 2016) | Page 61
Design Feature
Casino in Canada gets new design
makeover with an aquatic theme
Sid Lee Architecture in partnership with FCSD architecture + design tackles
the revitalisation of Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau. Photos by: Stéphane Bruger
WISHING TO reinvigorate its image and
position itself as an essential player on the
entertainment scene, Société des casinos du
Québec commissioned Sid Lee Architecture
and FCSD architecture + design to lead
an intervention strategy at Casino du LacLeamy in Gatineau, Québec, Canada. The
casino presented major organisational
challenges: its interior spaces were cluttered
and undistinguished, producing a confusing
and unwelcoming result, devoid of hierarchy
or landmarks. The re-design therefore
aimed to bring coherence to the space; open
perspectives to better connect the spaces and
identify their functions.
An aquatic theme was naturally chosen
to develop a unique identity for the casino,
located on the shores of a lake and surrounded
by water. “The main staircase was brought to
the middle of the central space, among the
game tables and machines, while connecting
to the restaurants and discotheques on the
upper floors. Designed as a beacon visible
from all around the casino, the stairs are
dressed with a unique carapace composed
of 595 backlit metal scales declined into
94 different models, reminiscent of fish
skin and its changing reflections. An iconic
architectural element, it centralises all visual
perspectives and asserts the space’s identity”,
explains Martin Leblanc, architect and
partner at Sid Lee Architecture.
The project was carried out in close
collaboration with Lightemotion for an
immersive lighting installation and with
Trizart-Alliance for the multi-media segment.
Founded in 2009, Sid Lee Architecture
is the fruit of architects and urban designers
Jean Pelland and Martin Leblanc. Operating
on a global scale from its Montreal offices,
Sid Lee Architecture gathers more than
35 architects, technicians, designers,
managers, and artisans offering services in
urban studies, architecture, interior design,
strategic development and positioning,
brand integration, and signage – for cultural,
residential, institutional, recreational, and
corporate projects.
FCSD architecture + design was created in
2015 when Mrs Annie Damphousse joined the
team of Mrs Sylvie Corriveau, Mr Luc Fortin
and Mr Guy Salvail, all architects. Since the
beginning, the firm Fortin, Corriveau, Salvail,
Damphousse architecture + design senc has
developed an expertise in architecture as
proven with its work on different interior
design and revitalisation projects.
More information at www.sidleearchitecture.com
Building & Investment | www.b-i.biz 57