Constellations bags grand prize in Quebec aluminium design competition

Constellations and the Sans détour projects are the two winners of Quebec aluminium design competition “Architecture and community commitment: A tale of aluminium”, organised by the Centre d’expertise sur l’aluminium (CeAl) and Alcoa Innovation. The main motive of this competition is to promote the innovative use of aluminium in the building sector.

While Groupe A/Annexe U for Constellations has bagged the grand prize of US$15,000 cash for developing a dynamic public space concept, San détour won the People’s Choice Award for designing a unique bridge concept.

Constellations are covered spaces for hosting social, cultural, and sporting activities, erected in former parking lots or set up adjacent to public venues. The structure houses two units, each with two large sheets of anodised aluminium that can be unfolded to create a shelter. The first unit forms a proper enclosure with seating arrangement; while the second unit floats above the space and folds down to settle at ground level, displaying a bright, glossy finish.

In the opinion of judges, the project has best articulated a unique use of aluminium in sustainable, mobile or permanent architectural space less than 120 m2 in area.

“This project makes brilliant use of the properties and potential of aluminum. Once set up, the structures would bring public spaces to life. What is more, they are readily adaptable to venue specifics and can be produced in limited quantities,” said Ron Rayside, the panel chair.

Sans detour, on the other hand, has taken away the cash prize of US$10,000 for developing a unique concept of bridge, imagined by ADHOC Architectures. Constructed entirely from aluminium, the bridge represents every phase of the day time, like translucent at the sunset and more opaque at midday.