Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan

How do you create a place that will connect humans with their universe?

Sectors

Culture

Services

Architecture Sustainability

Client: Space for Life, City of Montréa

Location: Montréal, QC, Canada

Year: 2014

Surface of area: 786,111 pi² / 9,985 m²

Collaboration: Cardin Ramirez Julien + Ædifica

Photography: Stéphane Brügger

Sustainable development: Leed NC Platinum certification

Distinctions:

"Museum" award, Grands Prix du Design (sponsored by the Intérieurs - Agence PID magazine), 2013

"Valorization of wood in interior design" award, Grands Prix du Design (sponsored by Intérieurs - Agence PID), 2013

Merit prize, Awards of Excellence (sponsored by Canadian Architect magazine), 2009

At the heart of the Espace pour la vie complex, which includes the Botanical Garden, the Insectarium, the Biosphere, and the Biodome, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium invites visitors on a fascinating journey to the edge of the universe. Born from an architectural competition and designed in collaboration with Cardin Ramirez Julien, this ambitious project aimed to create a unique place where science and wonder meet, offering visitors an immersive and inspiring experience.

Our team imagined a building that unfolds over three levels, taking advantage of the site's topography to create a fluid transition between spaces. The ground floor houses the public areas and the two hemispherical theaters, the true gems of the Planetarium. These two unique venues offer distinct experiences: one is dedicated to traditional astronomical projections, while the other presents cutting-edge immersive multimedia shows.

The architecture of the Planetarium is distinguished by its boldness and elegance. The sphere of the astronomical theater, clad in maple wood, evokes the beauty of celestial bodies and creates a striking visual focal point. The interior spaces, bathed in natural light, invite discovery and contemplation.

Committed to creating an environmentally responsible place, we integrated sustainable construction principles from the earliest stages of the project. The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium has achieved LEED-NC Platinum certification, demonstrating its commitment to energy efficiency and environmental quality. An accessible green roof offers visitors a space for relaxation and a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

More than just a place for scientific dissemination, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium is an invitation to explore the universe, marvel at its grandeur, and reflect on our place in the cosmos. It is a flagship project that combines architectural innovation, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to sustainable development, helping to make the Espace pour la vie complex an unmissable cultural destination.