Several studies and public consultations underlined the need to intervene in order to reduce the negative impacts of the Sainte-Catherine Street construction site and gave birth to the Vivre le chantier Sainte-Cath! project. Witnessing the constant evolution of this place, we interpreted the metropolis as a living component, in transformation, in movement, shaped by generations. This reflection led us to draw a parallel with biological metamorphosis. More specifically, the process resulting from a natural science theme guiding an organism from its embryonic stage to its final stage, called IMAGO. These phases of development have allowed the emergence of a vocabulary, an aesthetic and a technical approach inspired by biomimicry. These processes are similar to the development of living beings and are reflected in the evolution of our city.
The formal concept takes the form of a series of biomorphic structures unfolding across the site to shelter, protect, animate and articulate the site and its users. The team developed a standardized inflatable module that can be repeated throughout the site while integrating MTQ safety components. They are made of high-strength polyester composite that is fully recyclable, washable, easily replaceable and retains its properties through different weather conditions. The structures can be assembled quickly and are structurally efficient. They occupy the space at the scale of the premises while being light and easily movable. In addition, the vaults are designed to facilitate natural ventilation. The openings concentrated towards the top of the structure, allow to reduce the structural lifting loads, to ventilate the site and to avoid any overload of snow or accumulation of precipitations. Storage of the components is optimal as the structures are composed mainly of air, the deflated vaults are easily transported and require little storage space.
Inspired by the idea of transformation and metamorphosis, the IMAGO logo takes the shape of a butterfly, the final product of the mutation. The communication strategy is based on an organic distribution of boxes placed at strategic locations on the site. The boxes are lined with information about the site and also offer various occasional services such as a water fountain, bicycle pump, reusable bags, wireless network, charging station, IMAGO counter, recycling bins, etc. The gradual densification of the boxes gives birth to the kiosk. A translucent main cube, it welcomes users to disseminate, inform, orient and provide tools.
In order to illustrate the transformation of Sainte-Catherine Street, it seems essential to address its past, present and future. The past is treated by superimposing historical and architectural images on the current urban landscape. These images, printed on IMAGO, are animated by natural and artificial light. The project becomes an open-air museum accessible to all, bearing witness to the history of Sainte-Catherine Street from yesterday to today in order to decompartmentalize knowledge. The present, documented by information on the construction site, highlights the people and machines that transform our city. This information, affixed to translucent banners, is distributed in graphic form illustrating the silhouettes of the various trades as well as the machines and equipment of construction. The future is approached by the illustration and explanation of future developments. These justify and explain the construction work. It is important that the public is aware of the assets of the new development, but above all that they can follow and understand the sequence of the work.
IMAGO allows for the marriage of existing events and enhanced programming with varied potential. Events such as outdoor yoga, commercial sales and diversified cultural programming will allow residents to appropriate the site, businesses to flourish, citizens to have access to an improved quality of life, users to become aware of the evolution of their metropolis and Montreal to radiate beyond its territory.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
What the jury really liked about the work presented was the large, emblematic gesture, on the scale of Sainte-Catherine Street and its importance. The intervention is attractive, original, daring. The appeal is strong. People will certainly come to see the installations. The structure is enveloping, allowing users to live a surprising stroll and a rich experience. In this sense, the service is without a doubt the one that best responds to the experiential, perceptual and aesthetic issues of the project.
In terms of signage and communication, the intervention meets several needs and also has a lot of potential, especially with its multiple display surfaces and its multiplatform branding.
As for the functional and technical issues of the project, the proposal of Stage 1 presented several shortcomings. However, these were partially corrected by the use of standard and regulation site furniture, used in a complementary manner. The modularity and flexibility of the intervention were also addressed in phase 2. The inflatable structures offer different configurations for both longitudinal and punctual interventions. They also help reduce noise and dust, a major irritant on commercial street work sites.
The jury also noted that the team was one of the only ones to take into account environmental and ecological issues in a realistic and innovative way, both in their material and narrative approach.
In terms of feasibility, the team was able to demonstrate through the presentation of comparables that such an installation can be sustainable and adapted to the rigors of our climate. However, the interventions are innovative and development and validation steps remain to be done in order to arrive at the final solutions. The challenges are present but the modularity of the structure leaves room for optimization and adaptation of the concept, as needed and according to the feedback from the experts on site. The functional attributes and the highly emblematic character for Sainte-Catherine Street are worth the development effort, emphasize the members of the jury, who also mention that the team has the expertise and experience required to complete this project.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
73 scanned / 73 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Site Plan
- Perspective
- Section
- Perspective
- Section
- Perspective
- Elevation
- Perspective
- Axonometric Drawing
- Perspective
- Axonometric Drawing
- Perspective
- Axonometric Drawing
- Perspective
- Schema
- Site Plan
- Schema
- Site Plan
- Schema
- Plan
- Schema
- Section
- Schema
- Section
- Schema
- Section
- View
- Elevation
- View
- Elevation
- View
- Schema
- Reference Image
- Schema
- Reference Image
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Schema
- Site Map
- Construction detail
- Construction detail
- Diagram
- conceptual image
- conceptual image
- conceptual image
- Reference Image
