Espace 67

Sound-mitigating measures

The amphitheatre will occasionally be the venue for high-profile concerts featuring local and international artists. The sound-mitigating measures implemented on the parterre of the new amphitheatre will allow for the continued presentation of top-notch shows while minimizing the sound impact during these major events.

Analyzing the situation

At the start of the project, the SPJD commissioned Soft dB, a firm specializing in acoustics and vibrations, to realize an in-depth acoustics analysis. The study included an assortment of methods and potential solutions aimed at lessening the sound impact at major events.

The installation of delay towers was the solution embraced by Parc management. This was the preferred solution because of its effectiveness and functionality, combined with the fact that once the bases are buried underground, the site isn't encumbered year-round with huge structures on the grounds.

It's a strategic choice which is favourable to and respectful of the visually attractive environment the site offers. An overall budget of $2 million was allocated for the study, analysis, designing and purchasing of the new bases and delay towers on the site.

Delay tower: better management of sonar energy

Nine permanent tower delay bases are buried under the ground of the Amphitheatre and strategically spread out for optimum sound control. A delay tower is a large post on which various types of equipment, including loudspeakers and amplifiers are installed. This enables the sound to be adequately spread over a large area and provides the same quality of sound to every spectator, whether they are front row or at the back of the site. The towers are portable, and they will only be installed during major events.

Much more than concrete

The materials used in the project were selected with the objective of providing a top-notch, comfortable and sustainable site.

Paved with custom-made concrete, made in Beauce by Béton Bolduc

The slabs follow a precise axis in the Central Concourse and link Macdonald Road to the Trois Disques sculpture, going from a darker to a paler hue. The concrete, made of high-quality materials, has the durability to be able to handle the heavy vehicle traffic that travels on it for the set-up and dismantling operations at event time.

Mix of resin and aggregate stones

This porous mix of resin and aggregate stones allows the rainwater to trickle down to the ground and creates a comfortable covering that's ideal for resting under the trees.

Douglas fir wood

Spread out over the site, this material is prominent in the urban furnishings: booths, benches, low platforms conducive to rest and relaxation or to small gatherings of people.

Perforated and painted aluminum

Used for the Amphitheatre backlit wall and on part of the exterior walls of the Restaurant and Reception, perforated and painted aluminium showcases a design that is reminiscent of the Expo 67 logo.

The Amphitheatre: custom-made

Since the Amphitheatre is a reception area for larger crowds, a variety of materials has been strategically chosen.

• The stabilized stone dust on the parterre is easy to repair, allows vehicular traffic and pile-driving equipment, and is weather resistant;
• The grass on the knoll reduces the heat islands and makes the ground more comfortable should you wish to sit on it;
• The concrete used in the sidewalks and stairs preserves the stone dust and guides the gutters, enabling the rainwater overflow to be diverted to the filtration system.

Urban furnishings

Espace 67 will be convivial and accommodating, even during the quieter times of the year. Urban furnishings will be judiciously installed throughout the site to meet your needs and provide you with a leisurely and revitalizing experience.

• Wooden benches positioned close to the planting tanks;
• Low platforms available for small gatherings, music, outdoor work, enjoying public art works, etc.;
• Water foutains;
• Garbage and recycling bins;
• 150 bicycle supports and 50 BIXI places.

Universal accessibility

This new space has been designed to meet universal accessibility standards and accommodate every visitor: people with reduced mobility, families with strollers, children seeking to discover the world around them, people who are hearing or visually impaired, tourists with luggage, little people, etc.

Some of the features are subtle, while others are an integral part of the project's conceptual design: sloped sidewalk game, access ramps, no-threshold buildings, stroboscopes connected to the fire alarms, etc. The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau is working in tandem with the Kéroul organization to obtain an accreditation.

Rainwater management: an under-estimated impact

The previous site which dates to 1992, no longer provided a superlative experience when it hosted major events, especially in rainy weather: water accumulations, mud and slippery grounds were some of the drawbacks. This era is in the past, thanks to an efficient rainwater management system.

On the impermeable surfaces - along the length of the Central Concourse

The slope of the ground has been calculated to direct the rainwater to the corners of the planter boxes, where there is an irrigation system underneath the pavement. Rainwater is thus naturally drawn toward the boxes, and the overflow is diverted into the storm drainage system. It's a simple way of maximizing the natural resources on the site!

Storm drainage system in the Amphitheatre

The surplus of water not absorbed by the stabilized stone dust is directed into the gutters throughout the length of concrete sidewalks, where the water matte is 80% filtered; it is then diverted into Lac des Cygnes. This enables the lake to maintain a proper water level, and the water that gathers on the Amphitheatre's surfaces is more efficiently redirected.

Choice of lighting and ambiance

The entire site is illuminated with LED lights for a more efficient energy consumption, and the urban furnishings all have retro-lighting.

Throughout the length of the Central Concourse, the lighting is of a more intimate nature: the lamp standards, whose design is drawn from the ones on the Expo 67 site, directs the light downward to diminish the urban lighting.

In the Amphitheatre, the multi-purpose lighting towers provide for the placing of projectors and high-powered lights, as well as security equipment such as cameras and loudspeakers, for a well-managed site evacuation system.

Longevity of the site

The meticulous selection of materials and the choice of construction systems was done to ensure the highest possible lifespan of the site. The objective for the longevity of Espace 67 is 50 years.

• Example: The Central Concourse's pavement slabs are thicker (150 mm) than you would normally find in this type of project.

The conception and design of the site was also done based on criteria designed to reduce the required maintenance work and maintain realistic costs for its upkeep.