Wilder Espace Danse (architectural aspect)

A major challenge was the layout, merging office spaces, rehearsal rooms, performance venues, and commercial areas. Ædifica, in consortium with Lapointe-Magne, designed a strong identity and a distinctive architectural signature, ensuring simplicity of expression and urban integration. The objective: a functional, user-friendly, and identifiable blend, incorporating new volumes around the Wilder's existing structure.

This transformation project of a neoclassical industrial building, located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, was led by the Société québécoise des infrastructures. It revitalized a dilapidated building into a prominent dance venue, now home to prestigious artistic institutions such as Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, l'École de danse contemporaine de Montréal, Tangente, and Agora de la danse, as well as administrative offices.

Ædifica played a key role in the design and technical execution, integrating ecological strategies for LEED Silver certification, supervising the various stages of the certification process, including technical monitoring and quality control on site.

Architecturally, Ædifica worked on the harmonious integration of new volumes with the existing building, respecting the acoustic, thermal, and lighting requirements of the dance studios. Translucent insulating glass panels were used to maximize natural light while controlling glare and ensuring optimal thermal and sound insulation.

This project exemplifies a successful collaboration between heritage and contemporary architecture, meeting the complex needs of cultural institutions and contributing to the vibrancy of Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles.