Quebec landscape architect Claude Cormier died Friday, at the age of 63. It has notably marked the city of Montreal with its installations such as the 30-meter diameter steel ring inaugurated in 2022 which crowns the Place Ville Marie Esplanade.
Mr. Cormier, internationally recognized and awarded numerous awards, died following complications from Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare genetic disease that increases the risk of developing different types of cancer, announced the CCxA firm.
The latter was founded by the architect in 1994 first under the name Claude Cormier Architectes Paysagistes, which then became Claude Cormier + Associés in 2011, then finally CCxA in 2022. Sophie Beaudoin, co-president of the company, believes that M Cormier leaves behind a legacy of “several public spaces that are among the most beloved in Montreal and Toronto.”
From 2011 to 2016, she mentions in particular Pink balls, a series of spheres which was suspended above Sainte-Catherine Street. The installation then transformed into 18 shades of cheerful from 2017 to 2019, a string of balls recreating the colors of the rainbow flag.
Through his “very daring” way of using color in his projects, Claude Cormier was a visionary, according to Mme Beaudoin. “Perhaps also a pioneer, in an unorthodox way of approaching public spaces,” she adds. The latter believes that he was able to break the conventions of landscaping in Canada by using conceptual art and abstraction techniques.
Received a knighthood in the National Order of Quebec in 2009, Mr. Cormier first wanted to touch people with his works, says Nicole Valois, a long-time friend. “He had this sensitivity,” relates with emotion the full professor at the school of urban planning and landscape architecture at the University of Montreal.
The designer also wanted to make the population smile with his projects, continues the woman who is also a landscape architect. It’s a successful mission, particularly at Berczy Park in Toronto, where there is a fountain of dogs spitting jets of water by CCxA. The Queen City also owes him Love Park, an island of greenery with a heart-shaped pond in the center.
An inspiration for several generations
Nicole Valois, who has taught in design workshops since 1992, has seen generations of students pass through her classes admiring the work of Claude Cormier. “They tried to imitate him, he inspired them,” she emphasizes, a touch of joy in her voice.
Mr. Cormier, who was born and raised on a farm in Princeville, in Centre-du-Québec, notably studied landscape architecture at the University of Toronto as well as the history and theory of design at the Harvard University.
One of his first projects to make an impression was undoubtedly the Garden of blue sticks, created in 2000 for the inauguration of the Métis International Garden Festival. This installation is inspired by two characteristics found in this emblematic place of Bas-Saint-Laurent, namely the blue Himalayan poppy and the English flowerbeds.
Thanks to his talents as a communicator, Claude Cormier was able to defend his “a bit left field” projects throughout his career, emphasizes Sophie Beaudoin. “He was always where we least expected him. »
Continue, without Claude Cormier
At work, Mr. Cormier stood out for his unifying side and his keen business sense, notes Ms. Beaudoin. “He was someone who left nothing to chance,” she says.
The latter took over the reins of the company with her partners Marc Hallé, Yannick Roberge and Guillaume Paradis. Claude Cormier began the transfer of the company in 2016, which was finally completed at the beginning of 2023.
The founder’s vision will remain very present within the firm, assures Sophie Beaudoin. “We want to continue to contribute to the reinvention of urban landscapes in everyday life, to arouse emotion and produce meaning in public space. »
For her part, Nicole Valois is hopeful that Mr. Cormier will live on through the works he has created, but also those that CCxA will do in the coming years. “I find that he managed so that there was continuity, that is to say that the people with whom he worked could continue in the spirit that he created,” says her voice shaken by tears.
Mayor Valérie Plante spoke of an “immense loss”. “Claude was a visionary, a builder and a great Montrealer,” she said on X (ex-Twitter). “His influence on the City’s icons and public squares can be counted in the dozens: the Ring, the Village boules, Dorchester Square, Clock Beach and more. His architectural work is a legacy that will remain in our memories forever. »
The leader of the opposition, Aref Salem, also paid tribute to Claude Cormier. “This great architect will have left his mark until the very end with the giant ring in addition to making Montreal shine throughout the world. His legacy is immense and our city owes him enormously. »
Claude Cormier leaves to mourn his mother Solange, his sister Louise, his brother Pierre, his nieces Marie-Laure, Delphine, Léa-Sam, his nephew Alexis, as well as his CCxA colleagues.
With Jeanne Corriveau