Maison Alcan

This project covered the development of a strategic masterplan for the public domain of the Maison Alcan complex. This domain is defined as the internal and external open/circulation spaces, and the cultural and retail spaces of the complex accessible to the public. The Alcan complex, formerly the headquarters of Alcan Aluminum, was recently bought by entertainment giant Guy Laliberte, head of Cirque du Soleil. This places the complex in a strategic position, as the new ownership implies a strong identity shift, one with tremendous civic potential, in the wake of the complex’s 30th anniversary.

My research team carried out an extensive research and analysis on the history, uses and cultural significance of the complex, urban context, contemporary trends, and relevant precedents towards the identification of key opportunities and potentials. New ideas were explored, and existing ones validated, through a retrospective research and projective analysis.

Project: Maison Alcan

Typology: Cultural

Location: Montreal, Canada

Year: 2013

Status: Proposal

Client: Guy Laliberte

Team: Nazanin Naeini, Andrea Savard Beaudoin