Le Transit High School

The Sublimation boréale project, created for the Commission scolaire de l’Or-et-des-Bois, is a perfect example of the symbiosis between visual art and architecture. Imagined by artist Brigitte Toutant, this ambitious piece blends abstract patterns, light, and transparency to offer a unique sensory experience. With the collaboration of our team, the artist brought her vision to life through the use of Optical Clear vinyl film, transforming a functional space into a vibrant and poetic environment. Visible from both inside and outside the building, the artwork enhances the school setting and demonstrates how art can enrich public spaces in innovative and lasting ways. 

Brigitte Toutant oeuvre d'art architecturale

Architectural Art Integration

Sublimation boréale, designed by Brigitte Toutant for the Commission scolaire de l’Or-et-des-Bois, embodies the harmonious union of art and architecture. Inspired by northern landscapes, the artwork visually expresses the beauty of the boreal environment through abstract shapes and luminous colors. The artist’s intention was clear: to create a visual focal point that integrates seamlessly with the architectural space while offering a dynamic and evolving visual experience. 

One of the key challenges was designing an installation that could be viewed from both inside and outside the building without obstructing natural light. To address this, our team proposed using Optical Clear adhesive film, a transparent material that enables high-precision digital printing while preserving ambient light. This technical choice allowed the artist to fully express her vision without compromising the spatial quality of the environment. 

Installed in the school’s stairwell, the artwork spans an impressive 248” x 354”. Its monumental scale immerses the viewer while respecting the proportions of the space. The film is also treated with a UV-protective coating, ensuring long-term color retention and resistance to sunlight, an essential factor in such a bright location. 

The light reflections cast by the piece onto the white walls create a changing atmosphere, where natural light becomes an integral part of the installation. Depending on the time of day and viewing angle, the patterns come to life and alter one’s perception of the space. This subtle interaction between the artwork, the environment, and the public results in a renewed experience with every passage. 

Sublimation boréale is much more than decorative art, it is a deep reflection on the role of art in public space. Staying true to her artistic approach blending abstraction and nature, Brigitte Toutant offers a contemplative piece that invites wonder and introspection. By transforming a transitional area into a space for reflection, she redefines the relationship between users and their surroundings. 

This collaboration with Reflecteur highlights the impact of thoughtfully integrated art. The piece enriches the daily lives of both students and staff while demonstrating how art can humanize institutional spaces. Through this project, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and architecture becomes an extension of a powerful and sensitive artistic vision. 

Reflecteur is proud to support artists working within the framework of the Québec government’s Policy for the Integration of Art into Architecture and Public Sites. 

At a Glance

Services

Artist Support 

Sign Installation 

Lettering 

Materials Used 

Translucent Vinyl 

Digital Printing 

Year & Partners  

2018 

Brigitte Toutant

Le Transit High School