Montreal-based architecture practice Sid Lee Architecture has completed a cylindrical aquatic complex in Laval, Canada.

This public project, situated in the center of the North Shore’s newly built downtown area, aims to address the city’s increasing demand for contemporary infrastructure that caters to its residents, enhances their everyday lives, and fosters the growth of sports and recreational activities.

Laval’s Aquatic Complex, inspired by biophilia and movement, offers a lively space centered around families and the community. 

Moreover, the development provides the city cutting-edge amenities designed to foster the next generation of Olympians and mentor future athletes.

Symbiotic with nature

The complex, situated close to the Cosmodome, is positioned at the boundary of a forest and beckons visitors to enter a space where they can fully engage with nature. 

The tall glass facades of the recreational pool, oriented along a north-south axis, provide a soothing view of the trees while preserving a degree of intimacy with the backdrop of foliage.

"The presence of the woodland on the site guided the architectural vision from the start," said Jean Pelland, architect and principal partner at Sid Lee Architecture. 

"The spaces were developed to create a symbiotic relationship between the aquatic plates and the intimacy provided by the tranquil nature of the area," Pelland added.

The space is flooded by a natural light that changes as the day progresses, thanks to a continual exchange between the interior and exterior. The trees in the vicinity are essential for light filtration and for reducing visual and auditory disturbances. 

This fluid linkage between the forest and the water's prevailing presence in the area fosters a harmonious setting where the complex’s aim is embodied by well-being and performance.

A dynamic conception

The cylindrical facade displays a delicate interplay of vertical textures, crafted in a rotating arrangement of three consecutive bands around the building’s central axis. This composition connects the complex to the landscape in a lively and welcoming manner, while also structuring its various functions.

"On the inside, the simplicity of the spaces offers a refined setting that lets the magnitude of the pools and the views of the surrounding nature shine," added Carl-Antonyn Dufault, design director at Sid Lee Architecture.

A bicolor treatment delineates each zone according to its function in order to organize the different areas of the complex. Yellow splashes add warmth and a friendly vibe to the two bright swimming areas, while blue waves wrap the private spaces in tranquility.

Inclusive and evolving amenities

The building was designed in three distinct sections, each providing a specific purpose, to accommodate the diverse needs of users. The first section introduces the public spaces, which consist of a roomy lobby, an agora, and a recreational pool featuring a slide and water games designed for family enjoyment. 

Private areas are allocated to the intermediate section, which includes contemporary changing rooms, admin offices, and a gym tailored for local sports teams.

The last section contains the largest basins: an Olympic-sized pool for competitive swimming and a diving pool designed for athletes of various levels. 

This section features infrastructures like a 10-meter diving tower, which is rare in Quebec, thus making this complex an extraordinary training venue for elite sports.

Custom-built equipment, such as a movable bridge for partitioning the Olympic pool and an adjustable floor to modify the pool's depth, can be positioned above the water for special occasions like competitions and medal ceremonies. 

The complex develops alongside the athletes who use it, providing them with support throughout their careers and fostering the growth of local talent.

The athletic area's bleachers, which provide a view of both basins, can be accessed by the public via a raised corridor that floats from east to west. Every area of the Aquatic Complex features facilities designed for universal access.

"Universal accessibility is at the heart of our approach. Aquatic activity, which is inclusive by nature, transcends age and physical capacities," concluded Marjolaine Plasse, project manager at Sid Lee Architecture. 

"It was essential for us, as well as for the city of Laval, that our intervention allowed for all members of the community to enjoy the new facilities."

Laval is equipped with cutting-edge facilities as a result, with a recreational and sports activities balance that promotes community health and wellness.

Sid Lee Architecture also created an infinite grid structure for flexible office spaces at base of IM Pei's iconic tower 1 Place Ville Marie in Montreal, Canada.

Sid Lee Architecture belongs to the Sid Lee creative agency family. Founded by architects and urban designers Jean Pelland and Martin Leblanc, the firm is a business venture that partners since 1999.

Project facts

Architects: Sid Lee Architecture

Location: Laval

Client: City of Laval

Size: 13,700m2

Completion date: 2024

General contractor: Pomerleau

Electromechanical engineer: Ponton Guillot

Structural engineer: L2C Experts

Landscape architect: Rousseau Lefebvre

Acoustical consultant: MJM Acoustics Ltd

Aquatic consultant: Soucy Aquatik

Energy efficiency consultant: Akonovia

Sustainability consultant: Vertima

Architects - initial project: NFOE | hcma architecture + design

All images © David Boyer.

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