Housing in Québec Harbour
A Tectonic Exploration of Industrial Heritage in the Bassin Louise Sector
This project proposes a mixed-use building in Quebec City's Bassin Louise sector, an area historically dedicated to industrial activities. By re-examining modern building practices, the design seeks to reconnect the Old Port's evolving urban landscape with its industrial-era typologies, creating a harmonious blend of residential and commercial spaces that honor the site's rich heritage.
2020
techincal Architecture
Design Inspiration
The design draws inspiration from two primary architectural typologies prevalent in the Bassin Louise area. The first typology consists of commercial buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which dominate the Quebec harbor landscape. These structures adopt an eclectic blend of rationalism and neo-Renaissance, emphasizing functionality, structural expression, and the use of industrial materials. At the same time, ornamentation derived from a classical vocabulary enhances their perceived complexity and monumentality. Characterized by simple volumes, plain facades, regular openings, and recessed entrances, these buildings integrate arches to establish rhythm, while raised and imposing ground floors signal commercial activity. The extensive use of brick and stone reinforces their monumental presence.
The second typology comprises residual industrial-era structures, such as the iconic grain silos constructed around 1913, which still operate today. With their curved and vertical compartments, these silos evoke the image of an ancient colonnade, standing as enduring symbols of the area's industrial past.
Tectonic Expression
Influenced by the massive and rugged character of surrounding structures, the project's tectonic approach emphasizes material honesty and structural expression. Inspired by Québec Harbour protorationalist architecture, which advocates for building facades where only beams and supporting columns stand out from windowed surfaces, the design features brick columns shaping the repeated concave forms, reminiscent of silos, that inform both structural and envelope solutions. Additionally, imposing high concrete arches establish continuity with ground-level surrounding commercial vocations. Principles of order and regularity ensure cohesion within the urban context and the historical essence of the Bassin Louise sector.
Plan & Section
Units
