Project: Centre de glaces de Québec
Award: Leisure, Gold, 2022
Location: Québec, Canada
Architect: Lemay + Ardoises
Client: Ville de Québec
This striking public ice sports facility has become an accessible new gathering place in Quebec City where ice skating is enjoyed by everyone, from professional athletes to local families. Its metallic exterior skin shines and fades just like the surface of the 400-metre speed skating track and two Olympic-sized ice rinks inside. Inspired by the achievements of Quebec’s Olympic speed skating champions, the Centre de glaces de Québec is a first for the province and the largest of its kind in North America.
Design highlights
The building’s smooth oval shape evokes movement and reflects the speed, balance and fluidity of gliding on ice. This idea of forward momentum is echoed in the passing cars on the nearby motorway and those running along the three-lane athletic track which loops the building – all glimpsed through the panoramic band of windows which allows connection with the outside world. Inside, the use of wood and steel cladding throughout allows for a better control of acoustics within the building and creates an inviting sense of warmth.
Photo credit: Stephane Groleau
- STRUCTURAL & CIVIL ENGINEERING: EMS
MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: CIMA+
- DESIGN TEAM: Sarah Perron-Desrochers, Gabriel Tessier, Olivier Boilard, Carle Labrecque, Vincent Varin-Lacasse, Roger Fradette, Rémy Fortin, Sarah Gauthier, Carolle Bélanger.