Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve grandstands

Two ideas for permanent grandstands at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, designed for the Grand Prix, but above all for the rest of the year.

The context

In January 2026, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau launched an ideas competition to replace part of the temporary grandstands at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, on Île Notre-Dame, with permanent grandstands. Two sectors were targeted, at either end of the circuit: the hairpin to the north and the Senna curves to the south. The grandstands were to serve the Canadian Grand Prix, but also offer views of the river and the city, and new uses in every season. Scaliance Studio explored two concepts based on this program.

Concept 1: undulating grandstands

Wooden grandstands undulate along the track and span it in arches. On Grand Prix day, they provide seating facing the curves. The rest of the year, their tops become lookouts toward downtown, the Biosphère and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, and their undersides house kiosks and services.

Winter on the circuit

In winter, the circuit takes on a new role: cross-country skiing under the arches, sliding on the grandstand slopes, a skating loop, and a “base camp” with equipment rentals, a climbing wall and a warming hut.

Concept 2: a suspended meadow

A large sloped roof, covered with a flowering meadow, rises above the bike path. Its weathering-steel underside, pierced with skylights, shelters a market and a rest stop for cyclists. At the top, a terrace overlooks the river and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

Our work

Scaliance Studio analyzed the program, developed both concepts and produced the visual simulations, in summer and in winter.

At a glance

• Permanent grandstands for the Grand Prix and for the park
• Two concepts: undulating wood and suspended meadow
• Four-season uses: lookouts, sliding, skating, market