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June 19, 2008
Alcoa Canada partners with the Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec in the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain project opened in the framework of the 400th anniversary of the City of Québec
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In order to join the celebrations and set out its attachment to the Capitale nationale, Alcoa is partnering with the Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec to offer the sculpture Structures de vent to the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain.
Designed by the creators of the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, architects Daoust Lestage, the sculpture, which is perfectly in keeping with the project, will be erected at the Quai-des-Vents, located between the Gignac and Sillery hills. The work is comprised of 41 elements cast in aluminum, painted white, and representing wind, masts and birds. “The wind structures will reveal a flock of white birds, maybe geese, taking flight,” explain architects Daoust Lestage. Individually cast in aluminum in sand moulds, the birds, with their curves and dynamic shapes, are more the work of an artisan-caster than that of an industrial manufacturer. Each of the birds, mounted on a tube of aluminum, is articulated and turns in the wind like a weathervane. Important precision will be needed to assemble the tubes, ball bearings and birds, and fine adjustments will ensure in the long term the fluid motion of the birds on their axis.
“We are pleased to be a partner to the remarkable project aiming to “give back the river to Quebeckers”. Just like this project, our aluminum smelters are located along the St. Lawrence River, and just like this sculpture, Alcoa wishes to mark its presence in the Québec community under the banner of longevity. Thus, this sculpture becomes a symbol, a gift from Alcoa to Quebeckers in the framework of this 400th anniversary,” stated Jean-Pierre Gilardeau, President of Alcoa Canada.
The work of art will be unveiled as an addition to the official opening of the promenade, scheduled for next June 24, and linked to the summer celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Québec City.
This promising project is sure to charm the visitors, especially as a spirit of celebration prevails!
About the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain
Fruit of a decade of work and of reflection on the future of the urban coast, the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain constitutes the first great project aiming to underline the 400th anniversary of Québec City. Launched on June 12, 2006, the development of the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain was carried out by the Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec. Created in 1995 by the National Assembly, the Commission fulfills a triple mission for the Capitale nationale: to contribute to its development and embellishment, to promote its attractions through a diverse program of discovery and commemoration activities, and to advise the Government of Québec regarding the enhancement of its status.
About Alcoa Canada Primary Metals
In Québec, Alcoa Canada Primary Metals (ACPM) is comprised of the Baie-Comeau, Bécancour and Deschambault smelters, as well as the Bécancour Rod Plant. These four plants have an annual production capacity of over one million metric tons of ingots, castings, billets and aluminum rods. ACPM employs close to 3,600 people and its activities generate over $1.5 billion in economic spin-offs annually in the province.
Alcoa is a major, fully integrated economic and social partner in the communities where it is present. Given its social commitment and strong sense of belonging to these communities, Alcoa wishes to contribute, in a sustainability perspective, to their quality as communities. Further information is available at www.alcoa.com/canada/en/home.asp and http://www.aluminumispeople.com.
Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, through its growing position in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, structures and building systems. The Company has 97,000 employees in 34 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at htttp://www.alcoa.com.
About architects Daoust Lestage
Daoust Lestage inc. has been active in the field of urban design and architecture since 1988. The agency offers a multidisciplinary area of expertise, including overall planning, urban design, landscape architecture, and interior architecture. For each of their projects, the approach rests on a careful reading of the location and furthers the accomplishment of projects that, although inspired by time-tested archetypes, not only afford simplicity and sobriety, but also resolutely contemporary style. Recipient of several awards and distinctions, the agency Daoust Lestage inc. has accomplished many projects illustrating a concern for contributing to the production of significant environments and for ensuring quality on both urban and architectural levels.
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