Rethinking a popular area to prioritize pedestrians
Since it was first created in 1647, Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville Square in historic Old Quebec—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—has been a public gathering hub. A popular entertainment area for street performances and other events, the square last underwent renovations in 1984 and it was time for an update. The City of Quebec wanted to improve the space by giving pedestrians priority and increasing event capacity all while showcasing the character of the surrounding built environment. They engaged us to help.
Our engineering and landscape architecture professionals worked with the City throughout the project, from preliminary studies to works supervision. We took particular care to protect nearby heritage buildings, possible archaeological remains under the public square, and the roots of the trees on site. The square's steep slope was also a major factor in the renovation—our team designed a self-supporting structure to accommodate the topography of the site and support the impressive terrace.
Now redesigned and more than 50 percent larger, the public square features sustainable materials, an improved tree canopy, and architectural lighting. Renovations also allowed for upgrades to underground urban infrastructure. The renewed square offers more space for pedestrians and large-scale events while preserving its historical character.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- Ville de Québec
- Partners
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- Lemay
- SGTR
- Guy Simard
- Morelli Designers
- Award
- Award of Excellence, Quebec Association of Consulting Engineering Companies, 2024
Daniel Gagnon, Expertise Director, Municipal Engineering
The challenge of innovation encourages me to learn and makes my work even more exciting.
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