Théâtre de Verdure l Lemay

Architecture, Theater

The iconic open-air Théâtre de Verdure, nestled within the picturesque landscape of Montreal’s La Fontaine Park, has undergone a stunning transformation at the hands of Canadian architecture and design powerhouse Lemay. Established in 1956, this landmark cultural gem has been skillfully reenvisioned as an innovative “4-season concept,” enhancing its accessibility and appeal to devoted arts and culture enthusiasts.

The Théâtre de Verdure’s Design Concept

Having endured a period of neglect and dilapidation, the Théâtre de Verdure saw its curtains fall in 2014. However, with an ardent desire to rejuvenate its artistic essence, Lemay embarked on a redesign journey that intricately wove together architecture, landscape, and nature. The heart of this redesign was dedicated to forging symbiotic connections between the theater and the surrounding park, a dance of art and environment that transcends mere physicality.

Lemay’s architectural prowess ingeniously weaves the theater’s design with the lush parkland, creating an immersive experience where the boundary between constructed space and natural expanse blurs seamlessly. The theater’s structure now seamlessly merges with the park, framing panoramic vistas that embrace both the stage and the verdant backdrop. This harmonious integration enriches the experience of theatergoers and strollers alike, casting a spell that transports them into a realm where art and nature intertwine.

Eric Pelletier, the visionary Senior Partner at Lemay and the project’s lead designer, reflects on the transformation as a grand spectacle where architecture and landscape meld into an expansive tableau. The lines between the two dissolve, giving rise to a magnificent scenic interplay that animates the landscape through architectural artistry. Beyond just a performance platform, the Théâtre de Verdure narrates a tale of rediscovery – both of the theatrical enchantment and the park’s inherent allure.

Accessibility is a central motif in this transformation, extending its embrace beyond the stage’s spotlight. New entrances have been thoughtfully incorporated, and a pedestrian pathway has been spread around the park’s tranquil water basin. Celebrating the theater’s prominence, low-level foliage and the existing canopy have been meticulously preserved, lending it a vibrant distinction amidst the surroundings.

At the heart of Lemay’s approach lies their Net Positive™ framework, a testament to their commitment to minimizing environmental impact. This framework champions three fundamental principles: nurturing user well-being, supporting biodiversity, and curbing carbon emissions. The studio’s touch has been gentle on the site, focusing on augmenting the area’s green cover and weaving the theater organically into the landscape’s tapestry. This essence of openness permeates the theater’s interiors as well – spaces now seamlessly merge with the outdoors, with the green room extending gracefully over the pond.

Lemay’s homage to the locale resonates through their choice of materials, favoring native Canadian Douglas fir and reinforcing the Théâtre de Verdure’s deep-rooted heritage. As the final act of this artistic symphony, Lemay’s transformation not only honors the theater’s storied past but also boldly embraces a future brimming with fresh design narratives. In their own words, “The new Théâtre de Verdure reaffirms its heritage-steeped identity thanks to a sensitive rehabilitation that has also enabled a bold new design,” a testament to Lemay’s masterful ability to harmonize heritage and innovation.