Linda Covit

Havre

Linda Covit

19. March 2015

Photo: Marc Cramer (All photographs are courtesy of v2com)

Havre is the largest of eleven public art commissions spread throughout the new MUHC (McGill University Health Centre) and the largest commission of the Quebec government’s Integration of art to architecture 1% policy realized to date.

Sited on the entranceway grounds the objectives included being highly visible to road traffic and to commuters in the nearby trains, drawing people into the landscaped site with its many public gardens, and becoming an iconic symbol for the hospital. While scaled to the immensity of the site Havre also retains a more intimate experience. Conveyed as a “sculptural embrace” it welcomes patients, visitors, staff and passers-by into the artwork through three "doors," offering a personal experience.

Photo: Marc Cramer

During the day natural light projects patterns of shadows through the artwork, transforming with the hours, days and seasons. During evening hours three sequences each thirty minutes long bathe the artwork in subtle shades of blue / blue-green, colours that evoke both air (sky) and water, elements essential to life.

Photo: Marc Cramer

Photo: Linda Covit

PROJECT DATA

Name of the project: Havre
Project end date: 2014
Artist: Linda Covit
Materials: Painted aluminum, LED projectors, programming equipment
Dimensions: 13 m x 15,75 m diameter / 42’8” x 51’8” diameter
Lamp posts - 51 cm x 122 x 122 cm / 6’5” x 4’ x 4’
Location: McGill University Health Centre - Glen Site (MUHC), Montreal
Client: Commissioned by the MUHC
Fabrication: Michel Bernier
Structural engineering: Nicolet, Chartrand, Knoll Ltée
Technical drawings and renderings: Plan HB
Installation: Formaviva
Lighting: Blue Hour Design
Photography: Marc Cramer