Daoust Lestage

The principals of Daoust Lestage are urbanists Renee Daoust and Real Lestage who established the firm together in 1988; they now have 25 employees in total. == Design approach ==

Daoust Lestage practices mostly landscape architecture and urban design with a focus on outdoor, urban realm spaces. A basis for their design approach comes from their background with Gauthier Guite Daoust Lestage, they come at projects from a modern point of view with a strong knowledge and respect of the history for the project at hand. The firm has expressed the difficulties they face with working in Quebec. The focus there is on money and saving it whereas innovation comes at a cost. Daoust Lestage strives to design the innovation and sustainability regardless of the backlash they receive, they believe the benefits outweigh the initial cost. The firm's overarching goal is to bring together all elements of design from all connecting fields- architecture, landscape, urban design, graphics, interior design, industrial design and urban design. By bringing together all elements of design along with the present and historical context they are able to create their best designs. == Projects ==

Pavillon du Lac The Pavillon du Lac is a 115 square-meter guest house located close to Montreal. Daoust Lestage practiced architecture and landscape architecture on the project and completed it in 2015. The design takes a minimalist approach and is surrounded by forest at the edge of a lake. It was essential for the new guest house to stay within the footprint of the previous cabin, and consider, incorporate and respect the sloped landscape. The stand out element of the house is the all glass walls, drawing inspiration from Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House. Place des Festivals The Place des festivals is an urban design project in Montreal that was completed in 2009. The project was multidisciplinary, Daoust Lestage practiced urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, industrial design and graphic design to complete the project. The design won Best Landscape Architecture Award and has been coined "urban origami". The term urban origami refers to the dynamic urban environment that has been created. The site has been transformed with pathways and green space exhibiting art and architecture. The Place des Festivals was designed to host shows; the water fountains act as curtains to a stage and the large lamp creates the idea of an enclosed space with lighting fixtures, it can accommodate up to 25,000 people during these shows. The site is also littered with multiple restaurants and cultural amenities to cater to the nightlife that is imagined to go alongside theater. Located on the site is the Place des Arts sector, alongside the City of Montreal, Daoust Lestage also won the Urban Design Prize for the ability this aspect of the project. This prize intends to highlight the economic and social benefits of design, architecture and town planning in organizations, public institutions and businesses, the Place des Arts is seen to embody these things. == References ==