50
the World Of Hospitality
Casino du Lac-Leamy
The Sid Lee Architecture & FCSD
architecture + design consortium signs the
revitalization of Casino du Lac-Leamy
Wishing to reinvigorate its image and position itself
as an essential actor on the entertainment scene,
Société des casinos du Québec mandated the Sid
Lee Architecture & FCSD architecture + design
consortium to lead an intervention strategy at Casino
du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau. The casino presented
major organizational challenges: Its interior spaces
were cluttered and undistinguished, producing
a confusing and unwelcoming result, devoid of
hierarchy or landmarks. The architectural intervention
therefore aimed to bring coherence to the space; open
perspectives to better connect the spaces and identify
their functions; and rework the vertical lines offered by
the building.
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 it connects 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 centralizes all visual perspectives and asserts the
space’s identity”, explains Martin Leblanc, Architect
and Partner at Sid Lee Architecture.
Supported by the existing structure, the strategy
developed seeks to establish targeted and efficient
actions. The result is striking: A veritable ambiance
has been created, radically renewing the public’s
experience and attracting a larger and more diversified
clientele, in a unique space offering a multitude of
entertainment possibilities.
The project was carried out in close collaboration with
Lightemotion for an immersive lighting installation as
well with Trizart-Alliance for the multimedia segment.