44 THE WORLD OF HOSPITALITY
ATELIER ZÉBULON PERRON
LE BOULEVARDIER RESTAURANT The staircase leading from the lobby to the first-floor restaurant bridges a balanced décor , ascending into a space illuminated by an abundance of natural light . Exposed concrete beams rise above the restaurant ’ s contemporary décor , which mirrors Le Flâneur ’ s abundant use of dark woods and marble countertops . From the warmth of a retro ambiance where time seemingly stands still , patrons will be mesmerized by a window on the world at their feet , courtesy of floorto-ceiling windows providing magnificent views overlooking the horizons of President Kennedy Avenue and the downtown streets below . The floor-to-ceiling windows also serve as an inward portal to the restaurant for curious passers-by , designed to complement the restaurant ’ s patronage of hotel guests with an influx of external clients .
While the windows , and the connection that they offer to the downtown streets , expand the horizons exponentially , a strategic gallery of mirrors adorning the ceiling and side walls of the restaurant ’ s interior further provides the illusion of expanding the space well beyond its actual dimensions .
Under the tutelage of Chef David Pellizzari , Le Boulevardier is an extension of the Le Flâneur vibe and theme of social connectivity . Working in close collaboration with a kitchen consultant , Atelier Zébulon Perron achieved continuity through an open kitchen design that seamlessly blends with the space ’ s décor and ambiance , while ensuring maximum operational efficiency for the chef and his staff .
AN ENLIGHTENED AMBIANCE Further illuminating the vision of Atelier Zébulon Perron , intricate lighting design was integrated into architectural planning from the onset . Working closely with Montreal-based lighting studio , Lambert & Fils , the firm designed customized lighting schemes focused on capturing the essence of the spaces through controlled quality , temperature , and modulation . Capitalizing further on elements paying homage to the original brutalist architectural language of the building , a grid concrete ceiling with embedded custom copper lights was developed above the ground level elevators , infusing new life into a dated ambiance and further enticing inward exploration of the vibrant new spaces . The nighttime lighting of Le Boulevardier results in a more intimate , inward ambiance . Natural daytime light gives way to the luminosity of elaborate , modern ceiling systems , further complemented by ground-level retro fixtures that draw patrons back from the external hustle and bustle in order to frame the city from a more observational perspective .
“ The spaces capture the essence of the international , retro theme of the hotel renovation , with the added notion of contemporary , non-ostentatious elegance ,” sums up Zébulon Perron . “ It ’ s a very relaxed take on elegance , and we are proud to have succeeded in creating an environment that will draw people together in the heart of this great city .”