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Fondation Pierre Elliott Trudeau

GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 8th edition

Indelible memories for a foundation built on noble values

From its headquarters in a 1970s office tower, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, established in 2001 in memory of the former prime minister, works to promote innovation in the humanities and social sciences. The design chosen by the architects was based on the spirit of this mission and of the man himself. The open floor plan, typical of modern layouts, plays with transparency and the visual layering of different spaces to draw the eye towards the city beyond.
Maple wood is used to striking effect. Running the length of counters, cabinets and shelving, it is an emblematic choice and distinctively symbolic of this country. At the heart of the design is a multi-purpose space for use by the community, which fulfills a social as well as functional role for the Foundation and can be converted as needed into a conference, meeting or board room, or used for ceremonies. This assembly area is surrounded by glass and a large white curtain imprinted with extracts and quotes from Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s writings, like artefacts left by this free-thinker.
Research and references are communicated through subtle nuance, the jury commented. Several elements of the design, including the perfect proportions and elegant tone, are indelible reminders of the mark and legacy left by this charismatic personality in whose memory the Foundation operates.

The project in images

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