Description of the mandate

For several years, the municipality of Victoriaville has sought to showcase the Old Arthabaska neighbourhood, which reached its golden age during the Victorian era, when Sir Wilfrid Laurier (1841–1919) had his summer residence there (now the Laurier Museum). Against this backdrop, the municipality set out to develop a walking route through a collaborative process involving the Laurier Museum team and the Victoriaville Historical and Genealogical Society. La bande à Paul was commissioned to bring the project to life.

Special features and challenges

For this outdoor route, the idea of creating four modules that integrate seamlessly into the urban landscape was proposed. Incorporating seating, these structures allow visitors to engage with the content in a relaxed, exploratory manner. Curves and delicate motifs offer a nod to the Victorian period and to the architectural refinements of the magnificent residences along Laurier Street and in the surrounding area. The graphic design is likewise inspired by the refined social world of Sir Laurier’s era. Saturated hues and illustrations reminiscent of 19th-century newspapers support a graphic design that is both modern and timeless.