Projets / Université Laval – Pavillon Vachon
Reinventing a landmark building on campus: Transforming the Alexandre-Vachon Pavilion
A major redevelopment that modernizes an iconic Université Laval building while revealing its architectural heritage and optimizing its functions for future generations.
Inaugurated in 1962 and designed by architect Lucien Mainguy, the Alexandre-Vachon Pavilion is one of the modernist landmarks of the Université Laval campus. Recognized for its distinctive volumetry and its presumed heritage value, the building had never undergone major investment since its original construction.
For several years, STGM has been supporting a large-scale requalification initiative aimed at upgrading the pavilion’s infrastructure, improving the functionality of its teaching and research spaces, and restoring architectural coherence throughout the building.
Successive interventions — renovating multiple wings, rehabilitating the envelope, creating a new atrium, modernizing laboratories, and reconstructing the loading dock — reflect a shared goal: preserving the modernist legacy while equipping the university with contemporary, flexible, and durable facilities.
Renovation of the Vachon Pavilion – Phases 1 and 2
Reuniting, illuminating, and revitalizing a complex building
The first renovation phase, initiated after more than half a century of use, addressed the urgent need for code compliance and modernization. Despite its strong architectural qualities, the 45,000 m² pavilion suffered from significant functional shortcomings.
The intervention created a true heart for the building: a bright main entrance hall, a new cafeteria, student association spaces, and new vertical circulation, finally linking wings that had previously been isolated. This transformation was made possible by constructing a self-supporting atrium structure, entirely independent from the original building and supported by six monumental columns.
Natural light and acoustic performance guided the design of this central space, where a large glazed west wall and perforated composite panels redefine the daily experience of users.
Phase 2 focused on rehabilitating the building envelope — curtain wall, roofing, and energy performance — ensuring the pavilion’s long-term durability and restoring visual coherence.
Six columns, each 25 meters high, branch out into five arms, allowing the roof to be supported at roughly thirty evenly distributed points.
Renovation of Wing 600
Modernizing laboratories and structuring movement
The third phase involved the complete renovation of Wing 600, intended to house the teaching laboratories for chemistry, biochemistry/microbiology, biology, and physics/engineering physics.
To improve clarity and user experience in this portion of the building, a faceted, brightly colored central core was introduced. Visible from every level, it groups vertical circulation and acts as a wayfinding element in a historically linear layout.
Collaborative areas integrated on each floor extend this architectural gesture, offering bright, accessible meeting spaces for students.
Renovation of Wing 400 and reconstruction of the loading dock
A respectful intervention for a modernist heritage building
Building on the modernization of Wings 800 and 600, the partial renovation of Wing 400 and the complete reconstruction of the loading dock marked a final step in upgrading the pavilion’s technical and logistical infrastructure.
Constructed in 1962, the original loading dock had reached the end of its useful life. Its reconstruction aimed to respect the modernist architecture of the pavilion — original granite, characteristic modénature, simple volumetry, generous fenestration — while meeting contemporary performance and durability standards.
A translucent insulated cladding was added to maximize natural light while ensuring optimal thermal comfort. The new loading dock now offers a functional, comfortable, and durable facility adapted to the operational needs of the pavilion for decades to come.