LIGHTHOUSES
UNDERSTANDING
Previously fragmented, Elgar Park offered a variety of sports facilities and programs, arbitrarily located and lacking any qualitative interface with the community center's interiors. In all respects, the facilities offered no dialogue with the facility. Our proposal for the redevelopment of Elgar Park aims above all to make the site easier to read, and to reaffirm and materialize the park's natural desire lines.
MAKING CHOICES
In practical terms, Elgar Park is split in two. A bottleneck of existing fences divides the front, programmed under a rich canopy, and the rear, open and free. We propose the installation of a rotule, or central plaza, to act as a hyphen between the two portions of the park, allowing the park to assert itself as a distinct entity.
Finally, we propose relocating the existing playground to a safer location beneath the treetops, creating a veritable forecourt at the entrance to the new Dan Hanganu Park.
The existing tennis courts adjoining the multifunctional plateau are also obsolete. In due course, our master plan proposes to relocate them to further affirm the connection between the park and the woodland, a true symbol of the Ile-des-Soeurs community.
OPENING UP
Elgar Park in its current form is very much closed off from the adjacent context. We propose to trace a series of paths, or even axes of desire, linking the various poles, buildings and programs on the site. The crossing of the axes addresses the idea of crossroads, one of which then proposes a new relationship with the library's reading room, while the other draws a connection to the existing woodland. As places for meetings and events, circulations are never neutral, provoking exchanges, interactions and connections. In order to open up the park and celebrate its splendor, we propose the installation of inviting, secure and distinctive thresholds. The main threshold, that of the central square, stretches all the way to the landing stage, blurring the boundaries of the park while offering its garden as a spectacle.
SAVOURING
Like a spinal column, the axes trace a path along the park, allowing visitors to savor the existing and proposed programming. The rich programming (tennis, swimming pool, playground, picnic area, urban fairs, library, school, etc.) is grafted onto the axes and extends beyond the park's boundaries, inviting the community to enter. The playground, located at the heart of the project beneath the mature treetops, gives it the feel of a playful forest, offering a little coolness in summer. Finally, a series of luminous columns trace a nocturnal pathway, linking the two entrances to the park at the heart of the square.
CELEBRATING
The crossroads brings with it the idea of a 3rd place, for meetings and exchanges, and above all a place of commemoration. It is a place for a variety of events, both scheduled and unscheduled. The formal design is inspired by bleachers and stages, or even outdoor amphitheaters. Sometimes with steps, sometimes with a stage, it makes way for cultural, artistic, sporting or educational gatherings. The layout of this first crossroads allows for a porous flow of uses from inside to outside. We can imagine the borough installing seasonal decorations, the Maison de la Culture holding conferences or artistic events, the library holding readings and the school holding classes, with the tiered seating facing the newly laid-out stage. The topographical work, in addition to its programmatic contribution, energizes the route. Lowered and smoothed out, it provides an unobstructed view of the built components and reconnects the places of interest with one another.
The stage is also deconstructed. It is made up of a succession of extrusions for climbing, sitting, eating, demonstrating, exchanging and playing. With its dynamic lighting, it also extends the playground dedicated to children; we can imagine them playing king of the mountain, or watching them interact with the points of light, commemorating the work of Dan Hanganu.
The vertical wall of the tier features an assemblage of clay bricks, concrete and glass, inspired by a traditional Romanian motif found in decorative art and traditional blouses. In this way, we address the architect's origins: the land of exile.
This same work on the motif is invested horizontally on the scenette, proposing the idea of an urban grid becoming this dynamized grid on several levels on which are schematized the architect's flagship buildings. In praise of the eponymous architect's graphic and intrinsic qualities of materials, the brick is used here as a pixel or stitch in the expressed motif. Concrete bricks, smooth or bush-hammered, and red clay bricks are not unrelated to the colors of the Montreal landscape. At several points, aluminum plates enclose amber glass bricks that project beams of light in the evening. Sketches of the architect's practice are engraved on these plates, along with the names of his flagship projects and the years in which they were completed. In a playful and elegant way, this exhibition enables users to relate the architect's various projects to one another, and thus gain a more global vision of his work and his involvement in Quebec's built heritage. The architect's greatness is thus saluted.
PROGRAMMING
In summer and winter alike, we believe that the new crossroads developed in front of the Centre Elgar will become a new gathering place, at the heart of this hub of activity. Contemplative, educational, formally or informally programmed, the development of this hub will encourage exchanges and encounters. The grassy plains can be used for picnics, yoga and free-play activities, while the furniture in front of the tennis courts can be used for waiting or seating spectators. Nearby, the children's play areas, repainted and refreshed, will have new spatial qualities. Protected by the tree canopy, the environment will enjoy a new level of comfort. The new mulch flooring will contribute to the desired natural aesthetic and maintain the existing canopy. A hub has also been created at the intersection of the schoolyard, pool access and access to the woodland. Easily able to handle the flow of people at the beginning and end of the day, this area is also equipped with suitable furniture for meeting and exchanging idea
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Stage 1:
The 514DH proposal was one of those that stood out positively at this stage of the competition.
Quality of approach
The vision of the development project is strong and allows the park to be opened up. The idea of bringing to the fore an inviting space dedicated to all generations (and not exclusively to children) was favorably emphasized by the jury. However, the position of the play area in the heart of the woodland raises important issues of tree preservation (roots) and appropriation (water accumulation).
The use of traditional Romanian motifs and the narrative of the commemoration seem interesting and deserve to be explored in greater depth. In stage 2, the jury will want to better understand the idea behind the architect's schematization of landmark buildings (voids and points of light). The reading of the homage must be crystal-clear. To this end, the jury wonders about the meaning of the term "runda" in relation to the architect Hanganu.
Social quality and identity
The project is broadly community-oriented, with a strong social sensitivity. The configuration of the main axis, which connects the park's functions and sub-spaces, is a major strength of the concept. The relationship with the library's reading room was appreciated by the jury.
Despite its social qualities, the proposal does little to address the needs of children, an issue quite central to the project. The grassed free-play area is considerably reduced in size, making it less versatile. Furniture should also be provided near the four tennis courts.
The jury would like to emphasize the formal similarity of the agora to the design of the esplanade de l'esplanade de la Pointe-Nord on L'Île-des-Soeurs. This kinship, combined with the agora's formalistic, urban character, somewhat distorts the space and identity of the park. The agora, quite imposing, very mineral and programmed, also duplicates the uses already partly filled by the Place de l'Unité. The finalist team is invited to reflect on these aspects in the second stage of the competition.
Formal and landscape quality
The proposal affirms the park as a single entity by opening up to the rear. The thresholds at the entrance to Elgar and Berlioz, followed by the orchard at the far end of the park, demonstrate a clear understanding of the site and invite users to discover it.
The members of the jury were unanimous in their view that the proposal was too mineral, particularly the agora section. Without detracting from the quality of the space's legibility, the two main axes could benefit from being less linear and/or continuous, to address functional issues (see next section) and the jury's concerns about the site's identity.
Functional quality
Itineraries are clear, accessible and allow good use of the entire site. Desire lines are clearly understood. However, the wide, rectilinear main roads present high safety issues, given the risk of bicycles travelling through the park at high speed.
The members of the jury expressed their concern about staying within budget, given the significant amount of mineralization and the relocation of several functions (complete relocation of the play module area, modification of the configuration of the area around the swimming pool, permutation of the basketball and tennis courts, significant construction in the lounges). Moreover, this relocation of uses will be subject to obtaining authorizations, particularly in the pool area and on private land, which could compromise the feasibility of the project. The team is invited to propose alternatives that would make it possible to intervene in the intervention zone included in the program.
Environmental quality and greening
The addition of the orchard, as a destination and attraction, was appreciated by the jury.
However, the proposal is too mineral and is not thought through in terms of minimal intervention. The geometric rigor of the proposed layout and structures leads to constraints in terms of integrating the elements of the proposal with existing conditions (relocation of the playground compromising the survival of the trees, clearance area for the swimming pool, reconfiguration of the sports fields, water management).
Stage 2:
Quality of purpose
The project is rich and sensible. The design intentions and principles are well thought out. The proposal contributes to decompartmentalizing and optimizing the park's functions, to providing a safe play experience under the canopy, and above all, to creating a commemorative reception hub that offers transparency on the site.
The tribute to Dan Hanganu is sensitive, intelligent and shows respect for the man. The idea of lighthouse and light has real commemorative potential. The team's decision to group this commemoration at the entrance to the site makes it more revealing.
On the other hand, the Romanian decorative art motifs, reproduced on the vertical walls of the bleachers, make little contribution to the already well-articulated commemorative theme, and appear somewhat and appear somewhat "tacked-on".
Social quality and identity
The presence of the agora and stage, a third place for meetings, exchanges and, above all, commemoration, is greatly appreciated. This new space encourages interaction and is well suited to users of all ages. The actor-spectator relationship helps to energize the space. The space provides an opportunity for off-site activities related to school, library or cultural activities.
Although the juxtaposed volumes of different heights create a play area, the stage lacks flexibility and versatility regarding the activities that could be organized there, which would require a flat surface. It would be advisable to work with the borough to determine precise needs and, if required, find versatile solutions to maximize use of the stage space.
The family dining experience in the park remains weaker in the proposal, notably due to the lack of picnic tables.
Formal and landscape quality
The project is highly coherent in terms of form and materials. The creation of a commemorative, playful third place, located at the park's main entrance, from which the main circulation axes extend and the programmed spaces gravitate, is a great gesture to maintain.
The concept, based in part on the permutation of the play area, opens up the park and highlights the Elgar Community Centre. The proposal to later reverse the basketball and tennis courts is judicious and will contribute all the more to decompartmentalizing the park.
The strong geometric presence gives unity to the park. However, the rectilinear aspect creates constraints in the play area, which would benefit from a more organic and natural delineation, in (desirable) contrast to the agora layout.
The positioning of La porte de l'avenir, located between the commemorative space and the playground, is quite successful and respectful of the work.
The importance given to the agora and the stage should not be to the detriment of the rest of the park's amenities. A balance may be required when optimizing the concept (and costs).
Functional quality
The paths are accessible and allow good use of the entire site. Desire lines for pedestrian paths are well understood. There is a good balance between volumes and functions/appropriations.
The team was able to resolve the safety issues associated with high-speed cycling in the park, while allowing for bike-pedestrian cohabitation. However, changes in the type of ground surface in the vehicular access path accentuate the fragmentation effect and result in a weaker connection with the rear part of the park. The threshold between the two sections deserves particular attention. The design should invite users to continue on to discover the rear section, an invitation that will be enhanced by the permutation of the tennis and basketball courts when they are eventually refurbished.
Environmental quality and greening
The reuse of many of the park's existing elements, such as the reinstallation of play modules and boulders, is a welcome development.
The design concept also encourages natural water infiltration, with the use of wood shavings in the play area and drainage strategies towards permeable low points.
Although the design takes greater account of existing site conditions than the Stage 1 proposal, the geometric rigor of the layout may have to be toned down in order to retain all the trees and limit interventions, particularly in the area of the playground and the path linking the agora and Rue Berlioz.
Notions of biodiversity are underdeveloped and will need to be further explored during the development of the project, in relation to the Domaine Saint-Paul woodland adjacent to the site, and as a complement to ongoing work on the protection/enhancement of its biodiversity
Evolution of the proposal
The Phase 1 proposal evolved in line with the jury's comments, but without losing the essence of the concept. The Phase 2 proposal still has a lot of potential, and can be further refined with the jury's and the borough's recommendations.
Feasibility
Although the team was able to instill confidence in the technical committee and jury, the position of the playground in the wooded part of the park still raises concerns about tree preservation and the water management strategy.
A few other issues were also raised by the jury and deserve attention: the durability of the glass bricks and their resistance to the climate, the legibility of the lighting effects, and the approvals required for the installation of certain facilities and equipment (play modules and furniture) on the grounds and furniture) on private land.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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