Le Centre Culturel, La Ronde, Timmins, ON
edit| La Ronde Cultural Center | |
|---|---|
 Street view at night. | |
| Alternative names | Le Centre Culturel La Ronde |
| General information | |
| Status | Open to public |
| Type | French Cultural Center |
| Architectural style | Modern |
| Location | Timmins, Ontario |
| Address | Corner or Mountjoy Street North and Algonquin |
| Country | Canada |
| Current tenants | Francophone Community of Timmins |
| Groundbreaking | October 2021 |
| Construction started | 2022 |
| Opened | November 27, 2023 |
| Cost | $7 Million |
| Client | Lisa Bertrand |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Steel-framing |
| Floor count | 1 |
| Floor area | 11,000 sq. ft |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Richard Yallowega |
| Architecture firm | Yallowega Architecture Inc, |
| Main contractor | A3 Construction |
| Other information | |
| Seating type | Folding chairs, Accessible seating |
| Seating capacity | 300 |
| Number of bars | 1, L'Armise |
| Website | |
| https://www.larondetimmins.ca/ | |
La Ronde Cultural Center (Le Centre Culturel La Ronde) is a collaborative effort between Richard Yallowega of Yallowega Architecture Inc., Lisa Bertrand (executive director of Le Centre Culturel La Ronde[1]) and the city of Timmins. Commissioned with the objective to reconstruct the French Cultural Center, designed for promoting and preserving francophone culture and heritage within the Timmins region. Serving as a replacement for the cultural hub for the francophone population of Timmins that was previously destroyed in a fire in 2015 and demolished in 2017.[2]
Location
editLocated in central Timmins, Northern Ontario, Canada. Within the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) watershed area[3] On the corner of Mountjoy Street that stretches from the North to South of Timmins. Perpendicular with the East and West division on Algonquin Blvd (Highway 101) that directly connects to Quebec due East and Wawa, upwards of Lake Superior on the West.[4]
Surrounded by local hotels, grocery stores, houses, businesses and shops, the placement provides plenty of exposure for welcoming francophone locals and passersby to the programmed events. Located within walking distance of the historical Mattagami River and Mountjoy River.[4]
Community and Cultural Impact
editFrancophone community
editLa Ronde is designed for the Franco-Ontarians of Timmins.[5] This advocates a large quantity of residents residing in Timmins with a total amount of 32.4% French speakers (2024).[6] La Ronde is currently fully furnished and open to the public, serving as a gathering place for local Francophones to gather, learn and celebrate their heritage and culture in Timmins.[1]
Fundraising
editFollowing the fire, there were efforts throughout the 8-year waiting period to rebuild and restore La Ronde's presence in the community. By operating out of three different locations using both indoor and outdoor spaces for events and fundraising. From 2016-2022 the École Saint-Charles was used before the community was forced to move due to land sale.[7] Additionally, the Kent Street location of Centre de santé de Timmins was utilized until 2022. In September of 2022, the francophone community moved their activities into the Timmins Square Shopping Centre, where operations continued up until the opening on November 27th, 2023.[2]
In 2017, the organization's budget goal was set at an estimated 6.5 million dollars.[1] The development of the new centre relied on community support. These efforts involved fundraising, community support, and contributions from various levels of government. (SOURCE?)
Construction History
edit
The construction process in building the new centre included a plethora of delays and setbacks mainly due to funding. The project's funding complications ** "compromises to be made to respect the construction budget, which now stands at $7 million".[5] Construction commenced in October 2021 with the first shoveling of the earth taking place at the corner of Mountjoy and Algonquin streets. (SOURCE 10) On July 5th, 2022[2] led by A3 construction (SOURCE *) and ended *****.
Throughout the construction process, the intent was set to use local suppliers and labourers as possible striving to keep the money within the community.[1] Compromises in the construction process include moving the placement towards Algonquin Boulevard, the problematic soil conditions were avoided by placing the structure completely on rock, as well as the orientation of the building.[1] In addition, downsizing originally planned *** size? (BAR SOURCE). Multi-purpose spaces were also designed within the building as a way to save money ** . [1]
Design and Features
editLa Ronde Cultural Center assumes a rectangular steel-framed form with an overall 11,000 square footage.[8] Composed of considerable sections to parallel the programming services offered. La Ronde offers a main hall, dance studio, a kitchen, a bar, a greenroom, a stage, event spaces, a lobby and offices. The single-storey structure is designed to be completely accessible to include its diverse clientele.[1] Conceived to accommodate up to 300 guests with removable seating to embody the francophone community's attendance for events.[9]
Design Process
edit
The design process commenced in 2021 derived from re-envisioning the street view using colourful signage.[1] The building is inspired by its name and the 1969 Montreal's La Ronde.[10] The final conceptual drawings made their first public impression at Sudbury's Collège Boréal gala on December 14th, 2021.[1] The design process included various community engagements, significantly making compromises based on the fully fundraised budget for the centre.[2] Modifications such as replacing the initially designed colourful-glass facade with colourful signage were successful compromises.[7]
Architecture
editThis building embodies the modern architectural style. Characteristics such as straight-lined forms, minimalistic detailing, multi-functional spaces and geometric shapes seen in the rectangular narrative continued throughout the building.[11] The building predominantly uses a neutral colour palette with dark grey cladding that encircles the building with periodic interruptions for dark grey brick outlining the entrances. The siding incorporates colourful blocks against the dark background with white lettering that completes the signage. The main street viewpoint contains floor-to-ceiling windows for daylighting surrounded by exterior extrusions for shading. The building sits at approximately 15' in height at its lowest point and is set back from the road to institute larger sidewalks.[10]
Interior Design
editThe interior of the building is composed of multicoloured accents that mimic the exterior signage. The entryway includes a lime green counter and the bar uses a yellow backdrop, seating up to 70 people at a time. The interior flooring is primarily light-grey linoleum with accents dressed in arranged colourful squares that guide the main paths of walking traffic. Accent walls are red and yellow to illuminate the space, with black-painted high ceilings that expose the steel structure. Completed with large accessible doorways, dark grey wood furnishings and staggered countertops for guests of varying heights.[12]
Behind the windows on the main facade is a straight hallway that continues off the entrance. The wider-than-normal hallway provides assorted seating and an unrestricted walkway. The white walls form a backdrop for various local art installations to be seen by the heavy flow of traffic.[12] The main hall has a built-in stage with an attached green room. (SOURCE) The ceiling contains pot lights against the black ceiling that mimic a starry night. The extruded roof allocates the high ceiling effect while enclosing the space to create a mezzanine for mechanical equipment.[10] Square cutouts in the right wall connect the large event space to the kitchen. Providing a functioning way of serving food to visitors during events. The configuration accommodates the heavy capacity of people and functions for the various events the space was designed to harbour.[12] The event spaces are easily manipulated to fulfil different event requirements. The use of multi-purpose spaces was a financial solution to remain within the budget.[2] Components such as flexible seating through moveable chairs and tables were a budget compromise.[13] The programmed spaces are open for rent to the public as a way to bring in revenue.[14]
Program
editThe building's program offers a wide variety of cultural, artistic, social, and educational programs and events throughout the year.[1] La Ronde includes activities, services and other programs designed to support and enrich the Francophone culture. It also serves as a gathering place for members of the community to connect and share their cultural heritage. La Ronde's programming is designed to be inclusive and diverse. Program elements range from infant to senior as well as free to paid programmed events listed below. [16]
| Programmed Events [10] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Children | Youth | Adults | Seniors |
|
|
|
|
Gallery
edit-
L'Armise Interior - Artist - Salinas.M - 2022. Used with permissions. -
Yoga and Dance Room - Artist - Salinas.M - 2022. Used with permissions. -
L'Armise Perspective at Night - 2022 - Artist - Salinas.M - Used With Permissions -
L'Armise Interior Bar Perspective - Artist - Salinas.M - 2022. Used With Permissions. -
La Ronde Site Perspective - 2022 -
Hall Overview - 2022 - used with permissions
Further Reading
edit- Architecture
- Canadian Architecture
- Francophone Canadians
- French Canadians
- Interior Design
- Lake Supperior
- Modern Architecture
- Programmed Events
- Timmins
- Quebec
List of Figures
edit| Artist : Salinas .M - 2022 |
|---|
| Fig. 1 - Street View at Night |
| Fig. 2 - Street View Day |
| Fig. 3 - Hallway Overview |
| Fig. 4 - Interior Color Scheme |
| Fig. 5 - Bingo Event in Gallery |
| Fig. 6 - L'Armise Interior Seating |
| Fig. 7 - Yoga and Dance Room |
| Fig. 8 - L'Armise at Night |
| Fig. 9 - L'Armise Interior Bar |
| Fig. 10 - Site Perspective |
| Fig. 11 - Gallery Overview |
| *All Figures Created by: Salinas.M
2022 - Used with Permissions - YALLOWEGA Architecture Inc. |
Notes
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Grech, Ron (December 16, 2021). "Designs of Proposed New La Ronde Centre Unveiled". The Daily Press.
- ^ a b c d e Rabski-McColl, Amanda (July 13, 2023). "Late September Opening Expected for New La Ronde Building". TimminsToday.com.
- ^ "Our Watershed". MRCA. January 6, 2020.
- ^ a b "Google maps".
- ^ a b Chabot, Jimmy (November 23, 2023). "Grand Démémagement Pour Le Centre Culturel La Ronde". Radio.
- ^ "Demographics in Timmins, ON". Point2homes. 2021.
- ^ a b Chabot, Jimmy (October 7, 2021). "Une Première Pelletée de Terre Pour La Reconstruction Du Centre Culturel La Ronde". Radio-Canada.
- ^ "La Ronde's New Centre on Schedule to open this summer | the daily". February 24, 2023.
- ^ Chabot, Jimmy (July 21, 2023). "Le Centre Culturel La Ronde Devrait Rouvrir d'ici Noël". Radio.
- ^ a b c d Baiguzhiyeva, Dariya (December 17, 2021). "Check out What La Ronde's New Building Will Look like (19 Photos)". TimminsToday.com.
- ^ Thomann, Lauren (November 27, 2023.). "What Is Modern Architecture? Everything You Ever Wanted to Know". The Spruce.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b c Chabot, Jimmy (December 10, 2023). "Le Centre Culturel La Ronde de Timmins Renaît de Ses Cendres: Le Fureteur Nord-Ontarien". HERE Northern Ontario.
- ^ Rebei, Inès (November 10, 2023). "Le Nouveau Centre Culturel La Ronde de Timmins Ouvrira Au Public LE 27 Novembre". ONFR.
- ^ Grech, Ron (December 16, 2021). "Designs of Proposed New La Ronde Centre Unveiled". North Bay Nugget.
- ^ Salinas, Micheal (2022). "YALLOWEGA Architecture Inc".
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - ^ Rabski-McColl, Amanda (November 30, 2023). "La Ronde Settles into Its New Home". TimminsToday.com.
References
editAmanda, Rabski-McColl. “Late September Opening Expected for New La Ronde Building.” TimminsToday.com, July 13, 2023. https://www.timminstoday.com/local-news/late-september-opening-expected-for-new-la-ronde-building-7267990.
Baiguzhiyeva, Dariya. “Check out What La Ronde’s New Building Will Look like (19 Photos).” TimminsToday.com, December 17, 2021. https://www.timminstoday.com/local-news/check-out-what-la-rondes-new-building-will-look-like-19-photos-4874184.
Chabot, Jimmy. “Le Centre Culturel La Ronde Devrait Rouvrir d’ici Noël.” Radio, July 21, 2023. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1997608/la-ronde-timmins-salle-spectacle.
Chabot, Jimmy. “Le Centre Culturel La Ronde de Timmins Renaît de Ses Cendres: Le Fureteur Nord-Ontarien.” Radio, December 10, 2023. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2033859/la-ronde-timmins-celeste-.
Chabot, Jimmy. “Grand Démémagement Pour Le Centre Culturel La Ronde.” Radio, November 23, 2023. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2029055/centre-culturel-timmins-musique-celeste-levis-bingo.
“Demographics in Timmins, ON.” Point2homes, 2021. https://www.point2homes.com/CA/Demographics/ON/Timmins-Demographics.html.
Google maps. Accessed March 20, 2024. https://maps.google.com/.
Grech, Ron. “Designs of Proposed New La Ronde Centre Unveiled.” The Daily Press, December 16, 2021. https://www.timminspress.com/news/local-news/designs-of-proposed-new-la-ronde-centre-unveiled.
Grech, Ron. “Designs of Proposed New La Ronde Centre Unveiled.” North Bay Nugget, December 16, 2021. https://www.nugget.ca/news/local-news/designs-of-proposed-new-la-ronde-centre-unveiled.
La Ronde’s New Centre on Schedule to open this summer | the daily ..., February 24, 2023. https://www.timminspress.com/news/local-news/la-rondes-new-centre-on-schedule-to-open-this-summer.
Rabski-McColl, Amanda. “La Ronde Settles into Its New Home.” TimminsToday.com, November 30, 2023. https://www.timminstoday.com/local-news/la-ronde-settles-into-its-new-home-7905504.
Radio-Canada, Jimmy Chabot. “Une Première Pelletée de Terre Pour La Reconstruction Du Centre Culturel La Ronde.” Radio, October 7, 2021. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1830073/timmins-reconstruction-centre-culturel-ronde.
Rebei, Inès. “Le Nouveau Centre Culturel La Ronde de Timmins Ouvrira Au Public LE 27 Novembre.” ONFR, November 10, 2023. https://onfr.tfo.org/le-nouveau-centre-culturel-la-ronde-de-timmins-ouvrira-au-public-le-27-novembre/.
Thomann, Lauren. “What Is Modern Architecture? Everything You Ever Wanted to Know.” The Spruce, November 27, 2023. https://www.thespruce.com/modern-architecture-4797910.
“Our Watershed.” MRCA, January 6, 2020. https://mattagamiregion.ca/our-watershed/.