Les Gros Becs Theatre Competition
Quebec city, QC
La Caserne is a transformation and expansion project of the Dalhousie fire station in Old Quebec into a new theatre for Les Gros Becs youth theatre company. Situated within a vibrant cultural hub near Place Royale, the Museum of Civilization, and Place des Canotiers, the theatre aims to firmly establish the role of youth live performance within Quebec's cultural landscape. Aiming to introduce thousands of children to theatre each year, Les Gros Becs allows young audiences to immerse themselves in the world of performance art alongside adult audiences.
Among the finalist proposals, Chevalier Morales' design approached the rehabilitation of the Dalhousie building as an opportunity to infuse the space with a distinct identity that reflects the essence of youth theatre. Beyond preserving the Dalhousie fire station, the project creates a space that fosters children's creative awakening by cultivating an artistic environment that celebrates the innocence and sensitivity inherent to childhood.
The design features gathering spaces, enhancing the potential of foyers, activity areas, the main stage, and the multi-purpose room to create a memorable, poetic experience for visitors of all ages. Designed to accommodate young audiences, the theatre's seating arrangements feature gentle slopes, promoting a sense of proximity and synergy between spectators. The lightness of the elevated area's structures contributes to a soft, ethereal atmosphere, further heightened by the minimalism of the walkways and the infrastructure overhead, creating a sense of openness and airiness throughout the space.