Dolbeau-Mistassini Theatre / Paul Laurendeau Architecte, Jodoin Lamarre Pratte

Architects: Paul Laurendeau Architecte, Jodoin Lamarre Pratte
Location: Dolbeau-Mistassini, Canada
Principals in charge: Marc Laurendeau, Paul Laurendeau
Project team: Serge Breton, Daniel Cohlmeyer, Tanya de Bellefeuille, Claire Dusonchet, Denis Gaudreault, Pierre Grenier, Gérard Lanthier, Marc Laurendeau, Paul Laurendeau, Irina Nazarova, Matthieu Schleiss, Michel Simard, Catherine Venne, Marc Bouchard
Consultant: Go multimédia
Acoustics: Legault & Davidson
Civil and structural engineer: Dessau
Project area: 2,630 sqm
Project year: 2006 – 2008
Photographs: Marc Gibert

In 2006, Paul Laurendeau Architect won the national architecture competition to design the 491-seat Dolbeau-Mistassini Theatre, in joint venture with Jodoin Lamarre Pratte & Ass. Architectes.

The building is strategically located in the centre of the city of Dolbeau-Mistassini. It represents a new major cultural institution. Its main street facade uses elements found in theatre language: the marquee, a grid of exposed white lights, black paint, poster display cases and signage. The building is organized along a central axis that establishes symmetry and the major circulation path for the public, from the main entrance to the doors leading to the auditorium across the foyer.

The foyer is dimensioned to host a variety of uses, from exhibition, conferences, banquets to parties and special events. Soundproof vestibules isolate the auditorium form adjoining spaces. It is based on a cylindrical form, with a gentle sloping orchestra of 11 rows and 293 seats and flat acoustic ceiling with a huge central chandelier. Two semi-circular balconies of 2 rows and 99 seats each increase the height effect and give drama when spectators arrive. Red, black and gold colors are used to sustain the image of a performance space.

The building opened in 2008. The population, artists and the press greeted it with great enthusiasm. Season tickets were sold in 15 minutes.