At first glance, this is the setting for a children’s fairy tale about a magical mountainous country. But when you see people climbing these “magic mountains,” you realize this is not a fairy tale, but a very hard reality.
The artificial rocks are like sugar cubes laced with multicolored candied fruits.
This association is the connection between the building’s past and present purpose.
The architects left windows in the full height of the rock climbing wall. Lots of sunshine, great views from the windows lift the spirits of the athletes.
Playful, fairy-tale-inspired design effortlessly blends with the project’s high technological content.
The simulators have routes of varying difficulty level. Beginners train on easy trails. Experienced climbers hone their skills on challenging terrain.
The designers left solid metal bearing structures without decoration. They’re a tribute to the building’s industrial past. At the same time, very organic within the rock climbing wall. After all, rock climbing is for people with an “iron” will and nerves of steel.
There are a lot of abandoned factories in this country, too. Such a great idea from Montreal would be well worth adopting. To give them new life, and at the same time open up a host of useful facilities for young people.
This architectural wonder, Allez-Up, seems like a fascinating project! I wonder if it’s open to the public or if it’s privately owned? Also, I’m curious about the inspiration behind designing a fairy-tale world for nonchildren. How did Smith Vigeant Architectes approach this unique concept and what elements were incorporated to create an immersive experience? Lastly, are there any plans to expand this concept to other locations or is it exclusive to Montreal, Canada?