Les Ateliers Guyon has designed a group of benches that are located along the bank of the St. Lawrence River in the City of Verchères, Canada.

The concept is simple: create an unusual work where users can comfortably sit and contemplate to the sound of wind and waves, along the majesty of the banks of the St. Lawrence. The designer wanted to create a memorial while integrating functional street furniture. And so he imagined majestic sails of white oak, concrete and metal, echoing the chapter in history and to be installed where Fort Vercheres stood in 1670. The white oak was chosen by the designer as the same wood was used in the seventeenth century for the construction of sailboats and barrels.

“When the municipality has asked me to work on this project, I was immediately excited and also very inspired. Give me the opportunity to work on a monument honoring the village of my childhood and his ancestors – and giving me almost carte blanche – was a dream, and a way for me to say thank you to all those who built the place I love today. ”

Félix Guyon stands out for his artistic approach to design. Promoting a very polished aesthetic, contrasting eras, styles and materials, he seeks to create pieces that are unique as opposed to industrialized. By using quality materials and working with local artisan, he promotes Québec’s expertise here and abroad.

Awarded the “jury’s top choice” award at Quebec’s Grands Prix du Design 2014.

designer: les ateliers guyon
period: 2013