Smith Vigeant: Allez-Up

The rock climbing gym Allez-Up, designed by Smith Vigeant Architects, is at the heart of the revitalization project for Montréal’s Southwest borough.

Flanking the Lachine Canal, the site and silos of the old Redpath sugar refinery have been converted into a one-of-a-kind indoor rock-climbing facility, adding significantly to the recreational and tourist attractions of the Canal.

The climbing wall formations within the main building actually resemble sugar cliffs, reminding visitors of the original function of the Redpath silos. These pure-white, angular climbing walls offer many different routes for both beginners as well as seasoned climbers.

The siding and outer metallic building envelope pay tribute to the industrial and monolithic character of this site, while the massive windows gaze far out onto St-Patrick Street. In long shafts, abundant natural light saturates the space, creating an effect of crevasses and voids on the climbing walls and revealing the interior climbing surfaces – a truly colourful heart at the centre of a metallic exterior.

The project won the prizes “Project of the year 2013”, “Training Center” and the special prize “Color” of the 7th edition of the Grands Prix Du Design.

Centre d’escalade Allez-Up, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Architects: Smith Vigeant Architects
Architect in charge: Daniel Smith
Design Team: Daniel Smith, Karine Renaud, Anik Malderis, Étienne Penault, Cindy Neveu, Mélanie Quesnel, Stéphan Vigeant.
Engineers: NCK Inc & Martin Roy et associates
Landscape Architects: Groupe Rousseau Lefebvre
Contractor: eSpace Construction Inc
Lighting Design: Smith Vigeant architects and Martin Roy et associates
Furniture: Wood-skin by mammafotogramma
Client: Richer – de la Plante Family
Area: 1220 sqm
Completion: August 2013