virages

virages
virages

Client: City of Shawinigan
Creative Director: Thomas Payette
Scenography and Design: Xavier Mary, Margot Lacoste, and Mathieu Doyon
Initial Concept and Lighting: Gonzalo Soldi
Project Manager: Roxane Cadillon
Technical Director: Caroline Turcot
Landscape Design: Adrien Ronceray, ARPaysage
Engineer: Thibaut Lefort, Latéral

In response to the creative call for projects for the revitalization of downtown Shawinigan, Mirari envisioned a network of free-flowing lines stretching from the market square to Willow Street, passing through 5th Street de la Pointe.

Echoing the new graphic identity developed by Shawinigan, the luminous signature becomes an urban emblem guiding visitors through the downtown core. Its presence shifts with the ambient light. By day, its fluid and elegant lines carve out the space. Once night falls, the luminous gesture energizes the entire neighborhood. The line punctuates the landscape with an organic and warm glow, evoking both the power of water and creative energy. There is a festive and expressive quality to this intervention, reminiscent of drawing in the air with a burning stick. The “freehand” style contrasts with the straight lines of the urban environment.

The market square is a space that brings together Shawinigan residents every summer for concerts and events. Mirari sought to restore its central place in daily life by creating an agora. In response to the colors and fluidity expressed by the luminous line, Mirari designed inviting urban furniture. With circular forms, the benches blend into the existing architecture, respecting the paving work already done by the city. Landscaping work also adds plant cover to the square, helping reduce the heat island effect. This way, the square can host its summer programming as well as an ice rink in winter, and serve as a place to pause, with tables and access to electrical outlets.