The project is designed like a compact machine combining two theaters (la Grande and la Petite Licorne) and a rehearsal room, all revolving around a unifying hall. The latter includes ticketing services and a bar where the public can stop before or after performances. The bar's dimensions are commonly found in bars located in the Plateau Mont-Royal district and it reuses typical architectural elements of this neighborhood, such as the brick walls and the spiral metal staircase.
The theaters have been thought of as neutral spaces, as black boxes. The two rooms are fully independent which allows for different shows to be presented simultaneously. La Petite Licorne has a capacity of 90 to 114 seats while La Grande Licorne has 176 to 227 seats. The performance spaces are equipped with removable bleachers that can be organized according to the various scenic needs. La Grande Licorne has a motorized technical grid facilitating stage montage and managing . Located upstairs and overlooking the avenue Papineau, the rehearsal room can eventually be turned into a studio. It is adjacent to a terrace aligned with those of neighboring buildings.
Client: direction artistique la Manufacture
Architects: Éric Gauthier
Team: Steve Montpetit, André Lavoie, Dominique Potvin, François Verville
Engineers: mechanical,electricity: Aecom structural: SNC Lavalin
Scenography consultants: Go Multimédia
Acoustic engineering: Legault et Davidson
Contractors: groupe TEQ
Project Area: 20 000 square feet
ProjectCost: 5.2 Million CAD
Project completion date: September 2011
