Maison des aînés et alternative de Victoriaville

Discipline : Architecture

Categories : Public Building / Institutional Building : Gold certification

The Maison des aînés et alternative (MDA-MA) in Victoriaville blends into its neighborhood with finesse and elegance. Through rich textures and a palette of natural, simple, and soothing colors, it establishes a dialogue with its surroundings, which are mainly residential and include a primary school and a medical clinic. The combination of wood and aluminum gives the building a contemporary look while revealing a warm, welcoming, and reassuring living environment.

The architecture features a play of depths on the façade, notably by advantageously integrating the oriels into the volume. Rhythmically punctuating the vertical lines, the residential character of the site is affirmed and the MDA-MA skillfully complements the landscape with its color and volumes, as well as the simplicity of its lines and materials. As residents approach the building, they feel welcomed and at home. To accentuate this feeling, the marquee guides users towards the entrance like an architectural promenade adorned with benches, vegetation and wood inserts on the underside.

The user's journey continues from the drop-off area to the interior gardens, passing through the reception area, public spaces and residential units. To make the whole complex welcoming and comfortable, the interior design favors light colors, the integration of vegetation, and natural finishes such as wood. Everything has been thought out and organized to create a living environment that inspires confidence and provides tranquility and well-being. In addition, the layout of the spaces, which are accessible and open to the outside, is based on a front stage/back stage model that promotes the smooth organization of services while preserving the tranquility and privacy of the living areas. Grouped into 12-bedroom units, the units offer a friendly atmosphere conducive to human interaction. The circulation areas are designed to improve residents' mobility, orientation, and perception of their surroundings, particularly through visual openings onto the outdoor gardens.

The Victoriaville seniors' home and alternative living facility accommodates 72 people, including 60 seniors with reduced autonomy and 12 people with physical or intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders. It is part of a large-scale project to build new MDA-MA facilities, led by the Société québécoise des infrastructures. Reflecting the values of solidarity, inclusion, and respect for seniors, this project addresses contemporary issues related to the aging population by offering adaptable and sustainable architecture designed to provide a rapidly familiar and safe environment.

The project in images