Strategic Study Area (SSA) 1A – Infotower Network
Inspired by the Old Port´s Clock Tower, a network of
towers marks the approach to Downtown Montreal, along the International Gateway Corridor. The towers are strategically placed
on the corridor´s 5 main interchanges, leaning towards city centre.
SSA1B – Acoustic Barrier: Kinetic Fence
Kinetic fence is a lightweight acoustic barrier and wind energy collection
device combined. It relies on the principals of sails to harvest energy
produced by cars/trucks passing by as well as the natural wind flow. The wind
is captured by large translucent sails and its energy transmitted to hydraulic
motors. The produced energy is feeded to the autoroute´s lighting system and
sent to the grid.
SSA2 - Lachine Canal/St. Jacques Lifescape
A complete eco-urban living environment emerges on
site, including a variety of housing types integrated with a business district,
hotels, sports & leisure areas, kindergartens, healthcare and other public
facilities. All in the heart of the International
Gateway Corridor.
A new waterfront eco-park is designed to enhance the
wildlife habitat along the Lachine Canal.
This open space is extended into a wider park network of greenways, linking each
new/existing neighborhood to the revitalized waterfront, ensuring that
residents/workers alike are all within a short walk to these outdoor spaces.
Other objective was to re-enforce the connectivity with the Saint-Jacques Escarpment Eco-Territory, thus
forming one of the largest public green spaces in Montreal.
The plan also aims to reduce energy needs and carbon
emissions by promoting best practices in mixed-use development and addressing “clean”
power generation (solar park). Buildings were oriented to respond most
appropriately to the natural elements of their context. High transparency to
the south was used to maximize natural daylighting strategies.
The new business district, connectivity with the
Gateway Corridor, Parc Angrignon and retail
areas, and the new Lachine Beach
would provide the district with its own landmark and transform the canal into a
lively destination point.
SSA3 – Ville-Marie Bioroute
The site has a great potential as a new entryway to
downtown Montreal but also as a livable extension, a space capable of linking
together different areas, strengthen the district´s identity and provide
residents/visitors with a much needed sense of place. That idea cannot be
independent of the necessity to reclaim the infrastructure corridor.
The strategy begins by creating an underground
extension to the Expressway and a new
rail tunnel, between L´Allier Station and the future Glen Campus. Despite the massive
investment in tunnels, a new interdisciplinary hybrid of economic,
environmental and social infrastructure is created. A public park at ground
level serves as a civic amenity and becomes an attractive destination point for
businesses. Surrounding activities are anchored functionally/visually by the
new park, inspiring people through a careful balance of landscape, pedestrian
friendly access and sustainable new buildings. Crops, gardens, grass lawns and
hilly terrain create a diverse experience.
Public transportation: new extensions were made to Vendôme and L´Allier stations, improving their capacity and diversifying uses.
A new bus shuttle in dedicated lanes provides fast access to those studying or
working at Glen Campus. Cycle paths and footpaths connect and expand existing
networks to the new attractions created.