Chevalier Morales

Commissioned by the Maison natale Louis-Fréchette, Chevalier Morales conducted a requalification study of the Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc Church to restore and rehabilitate the building into a vibrant creative hub. Presented to the Quebec Religious Heritage Council, the study immediately draws attention to a pressing absence within the cultural fabric of Lévis: the lack of dedicated spaces for the support, creation, and exploration of the performing and literary arts.

Graced with an architectural character that lends itself beautifully to cultural reinvention, the core of the church naturally invites the installation of a performance stage. Meanwhile, the site's layout could allow for an expansion to accommodate the technical infrastructure essential for a contemporary creative hub. Rooted in a modern aesthetic, the new architectural interventions—such as the annex and elevated walkways—carefully harmonize with the original structure. Their forms, proportions, and materials draw inspiration from traditional building methods, weaving the old and the new into a cohesive whole.

The proposed design includes a reception area extending seamlessly from the newly envisioned forecourt, opening onto the river. At the heart of the project lies a vast continental-style hall, housed within the center, nestled beneath the former choir loft's bridges and mezzanine, and framed by the lower adjoining spaces. This central, double-height volume offers remarkable flexibility: with a sophisticated two-tier curtain system, it can transform from an open, airy space into a black box. Adding to the richness and diversity of the space, a previously unused space beneath the bell tower now features a unique setting—ideal for small exhibitions or intimate gatherings during special events.