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Centre Interactif des Sciences

Montréal, Québec

Photo credits : Vincent Brière

Client

Société du Vieux-Port de Montréal

Type of use

Building for cultural purposes

Number of floors

2

Year of construction

1996-2000

Work type

Complete transformation of the existing building

Area

16 250 m²

Cost

35 M$

The program involved the transformation of former port facilities into a multi-purpose complex accommodating a thematic exhibition centre, an entertainment centre with high-tech attractions, restaurants and shops. Today, we can say that this achievement is one of the key modern elements of the Old Port of Montreal.

The work of the structural engineer included the reconstruction of the foundations, as well as the renovation and redevelopment of the hangars. With one of the primary objectives being flexibility and multi-functionality of the spaces, the design of a framework with the fewest possible constraints and encumbrances was necessary. The length of the hangars over 300 m also had to be reduced in order to align with the functional program. Major interventions on the existing structure were needed to introduce elevators and stairs. The entire structure was equipped with struts capable of absorbing seismic forces in accordance with the requirements of the National Building Code.

NCK provided complete structural and civil engineering consulting services for this modern complex in the Old Port of Montreal.