Recently completed, Rigaud City Hall stands as a testament to civic administration excellence in a small Quebec community. Situated at the confluence of the Rigaud and Ottawa rivers, Rigaud boasts natural beauty and a historic village center dating back to New France.
Urban Redevelopment
Crafted by Affleck de la Riva Architects, the project revitalizes Rigaud’s historic village center and introduces a new city hall. A pedestrian promenade links existing public amenities, redevelops vacant lots, and connects the village to the Rigaud River, fostering community engagement and accessibility.
Symbolism and Design
Rigaud City Hall, while modest, exudes civic pride and transparency. Respecting the municipality’s scale, the building echoes the classical temple archetype associated with democracy’s birth. Clad in white, it embodies clarity, honesty, and freedom of expression, seamlessly blending into the Ottawa Valley’s landscape.
Transparent Governance
The council chamber, suspended above the plaza, serves as a beacon of democracy, fully glazed to symbolize transparency. Below, a spacious outdoor area facilitates meetings, underscoring civic engagement. A white aluminum colonnade adorns the east and north facades, complemented by the city logo, signifying its municipal function.
Inviting Spaces
The main entrance, accessed through the colonnade, leads to a skylit foyer extending laterally along the building’s edge. This ‘nordic stoà’ provides citizens and administrators with continuous contact with the landscape, fostering interaction and collaboration.
Sustainable Design
Rigaud City Hall integrates bioclimatic principles to ensure user comfort and environmental responsibility. By burying technical rooms on the north side and arranging offices over three floors with ample natural light and passive solar gains, the building harmonizes with its surroundings while minimizing its ecological footprint.
Through its thoughtful design and commitment to civic values, Rigaud City Hall stands as a beacon of democracy and community pride, reflecting the rich heritage and forward-looking spirit of the Rigaud municipality.
