Baie James Tourism
The tourism industry in James Bay have been expanding as a niche market for cultural, eco, and infrastructural tourism over the last several decades. The establishment of strong Cree Nations have played a major role in contributing to the cultural and economic growth in the region. Simultaneously, the infrastructural artifacts constructed in the rich geology of James Bay have become the man-made monuments in the north in the form of hydroelectric dams and mines, juxtaposed with the sublime natural vistas of the subarctic geology.
Capitalizing on the regional infrastructures and landforms, 4 sites have been intervened at with direct responses to each unique site.
Site A: Rivière Rupert
This service station marks the starting point of the tourist route along the James Bay Route. The intervention is situated at the edge of a rapid along the rupert, along with a suspension bridge that borders the west side of the site. The building bends itself in order to capture these two views, creating a hook like form. The building is partially submerged in the landscape, with the roof of the building accessible on ground, guiding visitors around the site and revealing the key moments in the surroundings.
Site B: Lac Yasinski
With the rich aquatic life in James Bay, the cabin by Lac Yasinski offers a comfortable lodging experience where tourists are given the opportunity to live on the water. Modeled after fishing shanties and boat homes, the cabin units offer flexibility to operate as an anchored boat house in the summer and a fishing shanty in the winter. Its compact sizes allows the units to be moved around during transitional seasons, as well as in and out of storage by pick up truck and motorboat. Units are stored under the main A-frame building, which contains a communal kitchen and central lounge space.
Site C: Éléonore Mine
One of the largest gold mines in Quebec, Éléonore mine utilizes the best technology available in the industry. All operations occur underground, with pathways and tunnels that dig up to 1km down the earth. With an expected of lifespan of 15 years, Éléonore mine is expected to close in 2030, leaving the underground network of paths intact. With the intention of reusing the existing infrastructure, the intervention aims to reveal the mine by creating a large atrium space exposed to the above.
Once open, tourists will be shuttled by buses via the vehicle ramp into the mine. From the bus, guests will descend down to the lower levels and explore the fabric of the mine. Tours will occur throughout the day, with exhibitions showcasing the technology and equipment of the mine. Accommodation and amenity spaces place occupants in close proximity of the exposed earth. Bridging components create moments of suspension in the midst of the void. This intervention showcases the vast scale of the mine to the tourists through a virtual cross section of the defunct facility.
Site D: La Grande 3
The intervention bridges the opposite ends of the dam, creating a path that brings tourists closer to the mega structure. The facade of the building mimics the formal language of the dam, ensuring that the intervention does not overpower the dam. While keeping the massing simple and rectilinear, a platform is dropped down from the building where occupants can observe the spillage of water from the dam. The building program offers biking and hiking rentals to take advantage of the existing trails on the site.
