CENTER FOR THE FRANCOPHONIE OF THE AMERICAS IN QUÉBEC

This project is a symbol for France’s full support to La Francophonie – it is an important bequest to mark the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Quebec City.

FAA worked on a socially and environmentally conscious design for the interior transformation of an old stone building, where Architecture serves as a link between the different ages, spaces and uses of the building.

Three levels accommodate the different programmes:

• an exhibition space and a research and consultation room in the basement,
• a reception hall, a shop and a cloakroom on the ground floor,
• and a multi-purpose room on the first floor.

Thanks to the introduction of intelligent and interactive wall systems, the space is relieved from technical and material constraints, and is used as a background setting for unique pieces of tailor-made furniture. Robert Carr designed the latter – a large red cloakroom, podium-like tables, a newspapers bar, and a reception desk in the form of an iceberg.

On October 17, 2008, Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic inaugurates the architectural work. Jean Charest, Québec Prime Minister, François Fillon, France Prime Minister, Alain Joyandet, French Minister of State with responsibility for Cooperation and "Francophonie" and Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Prime Minister and Senator, chaired the opening ceremony.