Pulperie de Chicoutimi

To me, the Pulperie de Chicoutimi is a testimony of quality. I had the chance to visit this site last summer as I attended the festival La Noce. I was amazed by beauty of the nature that permeated through the ruins of the site, and I found it very enjoyable to walk through a site that speaks of so much history. At night, I remember appreciating the lights animated by the festival illuminating certain parts of the industrial ruin, highlighting the details of the structures and the remnant materials. I also really appreciated the approach of the repair of the ruin. The new materials and reconstructions did not seek to imitate the original structure, so I could clearly read the different layers of interventions on the structure. Because of this, I was drawn to look at every detail to learn of it’s timeline. Walking through the site, I remember being able to chose between multiple pathways, so I could take a different one each day and rediscover the site differently. I liked how the pathways brought me to different heights of the site, so I always had multiple views of the activities playing out throughout the festival. Furthermore, I liked how the sections of the site offered a variety of ambiances; some areas were denser, others emptier. Some were more open, others more intimate. This allowed me to alternate between different levels of stimulation and level of activity when I felt the need to. On a more nostalgic level, this site reminds me of the abandoned ruins I used to play in when I was a kid. It reminds me of the mystery, magic and perseverance that comes from re-animating post industrial sites, and the rebellious feeling of playing in places that were not initially meant to be used as such.

"I particularly remember visiting the old Chicoutimi Pulper Mill, now converted into a museum, event venue, and walking park. I remember many visits throughout the year as I enjoyed walking in the park every few years when I returned to my hometown to visit family. After a renovation in 2002, the site appears to have changed little and remained abandoned for many years. In addition to the building that houses the museum, another building located on the river was converted into an event venue. The park at the back contains other buildings from the ruins of the pulping plant, from which hazardous debris has been cleared, allowing pedestrians to enter and explore open walls of old industrial stone. I certainly tend to view this site as an example of quality, since it was a cherished place from my childhood, but the fact that it excites me so much may not be a risk. Efforts to revitalize the derelict site were minimal but did give the place a new dimension. The museum tells us the history of the city and the pulp mill itself. The venue is host for school dances and music festivals. The hiking park is frequented often by dog owners and families. The history of the ruins combined with the beautiful scenery of the landscape creates a magical, negotiated balance between the past and the present. To me, this website evokes quality because it provides peace. The place is quiet and rarely crowded except for events. Even when hosting an event, the location provides the opportunity to rest and relax away from the crowds. The sound of the waterfall provides a sound of permanent calm. In addition to this tranquility, this place offers learning opportunities and free walks. The walk through the ruins is safe, but hikers are willing to take a small risk and explore the industrial ruins slightly off the main trail. The level of danger posed by the controlled planning and exploration of this place is a feeling I can't forget, and to me, it's a sign of quality. The revival of abandoned and dangerous facilities is a means of transportation, part of nature, part of the design that allows people to experiment off the main roads, combined with learning opportunities through the museum and also as paths with small panels explaining What we discover along the way." (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2024, p.73). https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pulperie_de_Chicoutimi.jpg