Wishing to reinvigorate its image and position itself as an essential actor on the entertainment scene, Société des casinos du Québec mandated the Sid Lee Architecture & FCSD architecture + design consortium to lead an intervention strategy at Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau. The casino presented major organizational challenges: Its interior spaces were cluttered and undistinguished, producing a confusing and unwelcoming result, devoid of hierarchy or landmarks. The architectural intervention therefore aimed to bring coherence to the space; open perspectives to better connect the spaces and identify their functions; and rework the vertical lines offered by the building. 

An aquatic theme was naturally chosen to develop a unique identity for the casino, located on the shores of a lake and surrounded by water. “The main staircase was brought to the middle of the central space, among the game tables and machines it connects to the restaurants and discotheques on the upper floors. Designed as a beacon visible from all around the casino, the stairs are dressed with a unique carapace composed of 595 backlit metal scales declined into 94 different models, reminiscent of fish skin and its changing reflections. An iconic architectural element, it centralizes all visual perspectives and asserts the space’s identity”, explains Martin Leblanc, Architect and Partner at Sid Lee Architecture.

Supported by the existing structure, the strategy developed seeks to establish targeted and efficient actions. The result is striking: A veritable ambiance has been created, radically renewing the public’s experience and attracting a larger and more diversified clientele, in a unique space offering a multitude of entertainment possibilities.

The project was carried out in close collaboration with Lightemotion for an immersive lighting installation as well with Trizart-Alliance for the multimedia segment.

About Sid Lee Architecture

Founded in 2009 following the integration of architecture firm NOMADE (founded in 1999), Sid Lee Architecture is the fruit of architects and urban designers Jean Pelland and Martin Leblanc’s talents and skills combined with creative agency Sid Lee’s wide-ranging offering. Operating on a global scale from its Montreal offices, Sid Lee Architecture gathers more than 35 architects, technicians, designers, managers, and other artisans offering services in urban studies, architecture, interior architecture, strategic development and positioning, brand integration, and signage – for cultural, residential, institutional, recreational, and corporate projects. Sid Lee Architecture’s work stands out for its uniqueness and strong identity, marked by history, culture, and community. Since 2015, Sid Lee Architecture is part of kyu, a new collective of creative businesses established by Hakuhodo DY Holdings, the second largest network of agencies in Asia.

About Fortin, Corriveau, Salvail, Damphousse architecture + design senc

The company Fortin, Corriveau, Salvail, Damphousse architecture + design senc is an architectural firm located in Gatineau city. We follow a tradition established since the original company in 1957. The current company was created in January 2015 when Mrs Annie Damphousse has joined the team of Mrs Sylvie Corriveau, Mr. Luc Fortin and Mr. Guy Salvail, all architects. Since the beginning, the firm Fortin, Corriveau, Salvail, Damphousse architecture + design senc has developed a solid expertise in architecture by the development of different interior design and revitalization projects, as well has new buildings. The firm had the chance to work on institutional, commercial, industrial, residential and community projects. FCSD architecture + design senc is known for the quality of its architectural achievements and interior design but also by the quality of its operations monitoring, its project management and its knowledge of sustainable development.

To learn more about the lighting design, see the press kit by Lightemotion 621-23.