Pointe-au-Père, Quebec
Cultural
Feasibility Study
How do you shelter a 90-metre-long steel artefact while highlighting its features and telling its story? Inspired by historical shipyard buildings, the new roof enclosure protects the submarine with a simple yet adaptive form that emphasizes the naval structures distinctive qualities and embraces the site's unique attributes. The contemporary addition references traditional naval construction through its materiality and structural expression. The triangular form stands out in the horizon when seen from the shore, creating a distinct visual landmark in the landscape. It was chosen for its spatial qualities as well as its structural efficiency which minimizes the total built volume, optimizes the use of materials and helps alleviate wind and snow loads prevalent in the region. Through carefully designed openings, the submarine is framed distinctively from each side, creating a sense of anticipation and capturing unique views inside and out.
The shell design also allows natural northern light to flood the space, while maintaining the submarine as the focal point. Inside the museum, the visitor journey is renewed and made accessible year-round. Large gathering spaces surround the slightly elevated submarine with new exhibition areas showcasing significant artifacts providing a better and broader understanding of its history. Additionally, a new ramp leads up to the submarine’s entrance and gives access to the ship's deck. This immersive parcours offers unique vantage points for visitors to appreciate the submarine’s scale and distinctive features, all while offering exceptional views of the St. Lawrence River.
Images by Notari and Pelletier de Fontenay
Cultural
Feasibility Study
How do you shelter a 90-metre-long steel artefact while highlighting its features and telling its story? Inspired by historical shipyard buildings, the new roof enclosure protects the submarine with a simple yet adaptive form that emphasizes the naval structures distinctive qualities and embraces the site's unique attributes. The contemporary addition references traditional naval construction through its materiality and structural expression. The triangular form stands out in the horizon when seen from the shore, creating a distinct visual landmark in the landscape. It was chosen for its spatial qualities as well as its structural efficiency which minimizes the total built volume, optimizes the use of materials and helps alleviate wind and snow loads prevalent in the region. Through carefully designed openings, the submarine is framed distinctively from each side, creating a sense of anticipation and capturing unique views inside and out.
The shell design also allows natural northern light to flood the space, while maintaining the submarine as the focal point. Inside the museum, the visitor journey is renewed and made accessible year-round. Large gathering spaces surround the slightly elevated submarine with new exhibition areas showcasing significant artifacts providing a better and broader understanding of its history. Additionally, a new ramp leads up to the submarine’s entrance and gives access to the ship's deck. This immersive parcours offers unique vantage points for visitors to appreciate the submarine’s scale and distinctive features, all while offering exceptional views of the St. Lawrence River.
Images by Notari and Pelletier de Fontenay