Projets / Donnacona Aquatic Centre
An aquatic centre designed for the community’s well-being and vitality
The new Donnacona Aquatic Centre was born from a unifying objective: to offer the community an inclusive place that promotes fitness, enjoyment, and the adoption of healthy lifestyles.
Attached to the existing arena, the facility houses a four-lane pool with two diving boards, as well as a recreational pool animated by water play features designed for young children. This versatile complex meets the needs of young families, older adults, and sports enthusiasts alike, within an accessible, light-filled environment.
A restrained and welcoming architecture
The architectural concept is based on two distinct volumes. The entrance volume unfolds in direct continuity with the existing arena, echoing its whiteness and scale to integrate seamlessly with the site. Its exposed CLT structure extends outward to form an expressive canopy that marks the main entrance. Gradient-printed glass elegantly complements the white cladding and wood soffit, asserting a refined and welcoming presence.
©Stéphane Groleau
Inside, the central lobby celebrates solid wood, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The alcoves leading to the locker rooms are distinguished by a play of colors and graphics inspired by aquatic hues, offering an intuitive and engaging experience for all visitors.
Integrated wayfinding
Designed through close collaboration between the architecture and graphic design teams, the wayfinding system plays a key role in the user experience. Its minimalist, rounded, and friendly visual language clarifies movement and ensures intuitive orientation, whether on arrival or departure. Around fifty signage elements, directional, identification, and color-coded markers, activate the space.
Conceived with universality in mind, the color system, pictograms, and circulation paths are fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, regardless of age, language, or ability. The selected hues resonate with the interior architecture, reappearing in acoustic panels and wall compositions.