The official name of the space as well as its historical inspiration has guided and clarified the creative direction of our backyard. The colorful, unusual and playful alley has thus given way to an oasis of conviviality, intimacy and tranquility. This urban haven opens up like a warm clearing, with abundant vegetation, through this urban forest of concrete towers. Jean-Claude Germain has compared the bookstore that inspired the name of the place to "a shaft of light in the great greyness". The Tranquille esplanade thus becomes the intimate garden on the edge of the chalet where it is pleasant to live. A place where one can read, eat, relax, share a moment with friends or simply contemplate nature. A place where children can also have fun thanks to the structures and games that are available.
With this in mind, we reworked the entire concept to achieve more conceptual, visual, material and experiential coherence; rather than a series of successive narrative episodes.
Our oasis unfolds like an archipelago of islands linked by a common DNA. In addition to the islands already planned on the site, we propose three new ones: the Carrousel, the Fountain and the Hammocks.
The Carrousel - Oasis of contemplative greenery
Young and old alike can gently spin to contemplate the vegetation that adorns the arbour and the landscape that unfolds as they pedal.
The rotation is activated by a collective effort. The speed varies according to the number of users and the intensity of pedaling. It is driven by an electric motor and controlled to provide a contemplative and social experience. The carousel can also be pushed manually.
Evoking garden lanterns, fireflies or a constellation of stars, an LED light mixed with the green fleece turns on at dusk. Its intensity and color is modulated according to the rotation speed of the carousel and the number of users.
The tapered ramp and pedal configuration allows for universal accessibility and an inclusive collective experience.
The Fountain - Oasis of Refreshment
An island from which a geyser crown springs from a green summit. A self-supporting modular fountain in closed circuit. It offers visitors to the esplanade a contemplative and refreshing experience. When entering the dome of jets, the user lives a spatial, sensory and sound experience.
The jets reach up to 2 meters. The water is drained through the platform into a basin to be treated and recirculated in the system.
The spiral ramp allows for universal access and an inclusive group experience.
Hammocks - Oasis of relaxation and discovery
Large modular net structures encircle a friendly and intimate relaxation area. Another, higher one, surrounds a tree and offers a panoramic view of the esplanade.
Offering an informal experience of relaxation, encounter and discovery, adults lounge on it while children can climb it. In winter, hammocks are placed on the rink to offer skaters a relaxing break.
The self-supporting 120 and 180 degree modules are attached to each other to create large structures or used independently to create smaller seating groups.
Although lightweight for ease of movement, it is their large size that constrains the flight.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Quality of purpose
The somewhat literal proposal of the first stage of the competition has evolved into a more sensitive interpretation of the allegory of the backyard, more focused on conviviality. The idea of the islands, these quiet oases, is in keeping with the desired spirit of the place. The reference to field hockey goals remains relevant in this space and evokes a language that unites and brings people together.
Experiential qualities
The proposed experiences are simple but varied. The hammocks are a judicious complement to the other seating in the space. Their arrangement in a closed or open lounge offers two experiences for the users. This playful furniture allows to stroll, relax, play and offers a strong potential of appropriation of the space.
The carousel is a call to wonder, both day and night, with the presence of garden lanterns / fireflies.
The jury notes, however, that the fountain in the first stage, the oscillating garden watering can, was more interesting experientially, as well as being evocative narratively. Although the technical constraints were the reason for the redesign in phase 2, the static aspect of this new fountain and its aesthetics, which were considered somewhat old-fashioned, did not appeal to the jury members. The design of the fountain should be reviewed.
Formal and landscape qualities
The Quiet Oases proposal is the one that best achieves the balance of scale - integration - overkill. There is a harmonious cohabitation between all the recreational elements and the existing landscaping. The proposal shows a good reflection of the team on the volumes and the ease of reading the place (among other things by the grouping of the furniture in well-defined islands).
On the formal level, we feel lightness and transparency in the range of playful furniture, which is perceived positively by the members of the jury. The arbour form for the carousel refers to a less contemporary language (which may be less appealing, the jury points out) but is in keeping with the scale of the place. The integration of greenery, as illustrated on the boards, is a strength of the design, although it presents a considerable challenge.
Functional qualities, anticipated durability and ease, feasibility
The proposal is functionally sound. Movement and storage issues have been well addressed. The team was also able to address the technical committee's concerns about the durability and ease of maintenance of the hammock ropes.
The main technical challenges raised by the jury were the safety and ergonomic issues related to the carousel's pedals, as well as the plantings on the carousel (growth and resistance of the plantings and movement issues).
Notwithstanding the above, the jury considers that the feasibility of the proposal has been demonstrated and that the team is qualified to carry it out.
In closing, the jury members emphasize the quality of the presentation, the team's great expertise and their openness to evolve the concept, if necessary, with the City and the Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles. Although the proposal still presents some technical issues at this stage, the jury is confident that the team will be able to resolve them.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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