BISSON|associés and Atelier Pierre Thibault joined forces to create a new meeting space that offers a variety of fresh local products by transforming Pavillon du Commerce into the Grand Marché, a public market for Québec City residents.
Photo credit: Maxime Brouillet
The Pavillon du Commerce was designed by architect Adalbert Trudel, and commissioned by Québec City?s then mayor Joseph-Octave Samson. It was originally built to replace the former Palais de l?Industrie, which hosted agricultural fairs organized by the Québec Agricultural Society to educate and promote the best farming practices.
The Grand Marché is a rallying and community-focused project that showcases the built heritage by becoming an integral part of the existing structure. With a train of small buildings fronting the main street, various side streets, alleys and a central public square, the Grand Marché concept mirrors the idea of a town or village.
The main hall?s interior is engulfed in natural light due to large, opening windows along the south-facing façade. Stalls are also positioned along the southern façade to create a direct link with the farmers? market.
Photo credit: Maxime Brouillet
Several large skylights, strategically positioned in the market?s roof structure, also provide additional illumination. All materials have been selected to harmonize with the built environment and enhance the local products.
?The complexity and subtlety of our work as architects is now embodied in a...