The project benefits from the intentions of the original processing plant, which was designed to optimize light and spatial efficiency. A large south-facing clerestory window, tall ceilings and a remarkably open floor plan are ideal for Sidewalk Labs’ need for flexible experimentation and exploration space. Before adding new geometry, Lebel & Bouliane carefully peeled back the decades of modern renovations to reveal and express the original character of the fish processing plant. With the original industrial structure exposed, the architects set out to purposefully and conscientiously weave a series of humble, modern forms into the character of the existing building.
Within this bare architecture, they have carefully inserted their own language - a dramatic geometric volume reminiscent of a ship’s hull which mediates between quieter office spaces and busier collaborative spaces - that has a playful dialogue with the site both geometrically and conceptually. A central theme to the lives and work of Lebel & Bouliane, the St-Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes represent the heart of their personal and collective experience as Canadians and designers.
With the interior spatial relationships of the original fishery re-established, the new geometric interventions lead the visitors through the building from the compressed entry sequence to the double height prototyping space.
