Quebec City’s new City Hall project is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vieux-Québec, a unique architectural ensemble that is foundational to the city’s identity. The architectural component focuses on the historicity of the site: the sense of place permeates the entire design of the new plaza, with the aim of creating a metaphysical architecture. The site forges and underscores a solemn bond between City Hall and the Notre-Dame de Québec basilica. Aside from enabling extensive progress on questions of universal accessibility, pedestrian safety and sustainability, the sensitive conceptual process made it possible, despite a host of technical challenges, to preserve and highlight the site’s structural and forest heritage. The site and its immediate surroundings now feature a significant vegetated area including 17 trees and their ample canopy. The creation of a flat zone with a significant permeable area, allowing water percolation, is among the project’s innovations. The design is adaptable to the seasons and a range of activities, creating a vibrant social oasis in tune with a busy annual calendar of events. The participatory design process allowed the local community to express its needs and aspirations, inspiring people to eagerly embrace the completed space.
