The Fourth Wall is a highly symbolic art piece that follows the revival of Laval’s downtown while simultaneously providing a lively public space where everyone can find their place. By evoking curiosity and inspiring creativity, the installation encourages the locals to explore the perception of PalaPlace Claude-Léveillée.
When the Fourth Wall becomes the place of interaction
Named after the wall that traditionally separates the performers and the public, the art piece features a modular structure with interchangeable components. Rooted in the heart of Laval, the space serves as a meeting point where the locals and the city guests can gather and express themselves freely. The modular, adjustable frame can be reused and reshaped to adapt to future installation or the evolution of the city itself. That way, the fourth wall no longer represents a line of separation but instead becomes an open, vibrant structure that encourages interaction. The public is invited to become an active participant in the experience.
This temporary artwork will remain in public space for 4 to 6 years, offering passers-by the opportunity to become either a viewer or a performer in the new creative setting.
Modular, reusable design
Translucent orange vinyl is supported by a set of steel masts and rails, which hold the pieces together. The vinyl strips are selected for a reason, as they are frequently used in commercial and industrial settings as a shield against noise and dust, especially near construction sites. The vivid, colourful curtains not only reshape the space but also reflect the movement of those who pass by, transforming perspectives and evolving uses. Urban furniture is embedded in the space. Bright orange wooden beams are turned into warm, comfortable seats. The colour orange is the predominant colour of the Métamorphoses creatives project, showcasing the bond between culture, nature, and urban transformation.
Métamorphoses créatives initiative
The Fourth Wall is the third artwork to be placed in the public space as part of the Métamorphoses créatives initiative. Launched in 2019, the initiative aims to reimagine the Montmorency district in the City of Laval, Canada, and turn it into a cultural hub. By integrating art, architecture, and design into the heart of the city, the initiative blurs the lines between the three, temporarily turning the living space into a work of art.
NÓS Architects Participatory Design
NÓS Architects was founded in Montreal in 2016 by Gil Hardy and Charles Laurence Proulx. The company gathers a diverse yet complementary group of professionals working in creative design and architecture, committed to creating one-of-a-kind living environments. It employs a bottom-up approach that engages the community and locals in participatory projects, including installations, collective housing, and residential projects.
Technical sheet:
Location: Place Claude-Léveillée, Université de Montréal campus in Laval
Client: Ville de Laval
Architects/designers: Charles Laurence Proulx, Gil Hardy, Eve St-Jean, Maxime Déom
Collaborators: Ariane Leblanc
Manufacturer: Atelier Gris
Photo credits: Raphaël Thibodeau
source: v2com newswire
