MAADI Group Featured in Formes Magazine

April 19, 2011

Dame-de-Coeur aluminum pedestrian bridge in Quebec with wood accents and lighting, installed by MAADI Group in one day.

In-Depth Look at Aluminum Pedestrian Bridges in Quebec

April 19, 2011 – Montréal, Quebec – Work in research and development undertaken by the company MAADI Group since 2004 to create an aluminum modular bridge system have borne fruit. More than a decade later, those efforts are gaining renewed attention as FORMES magazine explores the unrealized potential of aluminum pedestrian bridges across Quebec in its latest article, “Passerelles en aluminium : pourquoi pas plus de réalisations au Québec?” (“Aluminum Pedestrian Bridges: Why Aren’t There More Projects in Quebec?”)

The article raises a crucial question: with aluminum’s well-known advantages—durability, corrosion resistance, lightness, sustainability—why isn’t the material more widely used in pedestrian bridge infrastructure in our province?

One standout example—pictured above and highlighted in the article—is MAADI Group’s Dame-de-Coeur pedestrian bridge. Originally built for an offshore platform, the welded aluminum structure was repurposed to link a marionette theater to a newly developed park in a Quebec town. Featuring natural wood accents and programmable lighting, the bridge was pre-assembled and installed in just one day using a crane. The project showcases how aluminum can deliver both efficiency and aesthetics—directly responding to the question of why aluminum bridges in Quebec remain underused despite their proven advantages.

Dame de Cœur Theatre Retrofit Bridge

MAADI Group: Building the Case for Aluminum in Public Infrastructure

MAADI Group is proud to be recognized as a leading innovator in this space. Since our founding in Boucherville, Quebec, we have made it our mission to design and fabricate aluminum bridges that meet the highest standards of safety, strength, and sustainability.

FORMES highlights several of our most significant contributions to the field, including the development of our MakeABridge® modular system and our GuarDECK® weld-free aluminum bridge decking. Both systems have been used in award-winning projects and demonstrate the untapped value of aluminum in long-span, low-maintenance, high-performance structures.

Why Aluminum Pedestrian Bridges Matter More Than Ever

Aluminum isn’t just a viable alternative—it’s a smarter choice, especially for municipalities looking to reduce long-term maintenance costs and meet their sustainability goals.

Exceptional Durability in Quebec’s Harsh Climate

Unlike steel, aluminum won’t rust. Unlike wood, it doesn’t rot, crack, or warp. Our structures require minimal maintenance—even in the freeze-thaw cycles and salted road environments typical of Quebec.

Lightweight, High-Strength, and Efficient to Install

Aluminum bridges weigh significantly less than steel, which makes them easier and cheaper to transport and install. Our modular components are prefabricated at our Boucherville facility and can often be installed in a matter of hours—not weeks.

Sustainable and 100% Recyclable

Aluminum is endlessly recyclable without loss of strength. Combined with MAADI Group’s modular design, our bridges can be disassembled, reused, and adapted—giving cities infrastructure that evolves with their needs.

FORMES Magazine Validates a Long-Term Vision

“We’re honored to be part of this important article,” says Alexandre de la Chevrotière, CEO and founder of MAADI Group. “Aluminum pedestrian bridges represent the future of public infrastructure—not only for their longevity and low maintenance, but for their positive environmental impact. Quebec has the resources and the expertise. What we need now is the political and design leadership to move forward.”

Building Bridges That Last—And Lead

From scenic parks and nature trails to busy urban developments, MAADI bridges are helping redefine what modern infrastructure can be. Every project is backed by engineering excellence, architectural care, and a deep commitment to sustainable materials.

As Quebec plans for the next generation of public infrastructure, aluminum deserves to be front and center—and MAADI Group is ready to lead the way.

Read the Full FORMES Article

We thank FORMES magazine for their in-depth and timely feature on aluminum pedestrian bridges.

Read Full Article (in French)

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