Continuum is a new type of architecture which unifies the old and the contemporary. Within the continuum, several old buildings are conserved and integrated into one including the extensions. This method is employed in the World Trade Centre building. In this proposal, the building of five continuums with different characters is suggested. From the point of view of city planning, continuum is a concept which facilitates the juxtaposition of old and new elements. The facade conservation of the Old Montreal would generate continuums of block size if broadly interpreted. Nevertheless they are not defined as continuums in the proposal plan. Four continuums will be the gates for four quarters.
Continuum 1: A facade conservation type. The required area is not easily gained.
Continuum 2: A relatively simple extension type. Facade restoration along Rue de la Gauchetiere is needed.
Continuum 3: A facade conservation type, its arrangement complicated.
Continuum 4: A tall building type located in the first quarter to gain volume.
Continuum 5: A type which the existing building is covered by the new one.
(From competitor's text)
STAGE 1
This project presents at the same time a very powerful overall concept, as well as an incredible amount of detailed analysis, and illustrations of basic principles. Some of these are nonetheless very often overwhelmed by specific architectural statements which propose forms and typologies which might become unworkable as the design evolves towards implementation. This raises serious questions. Nonetheless, the jury has appreciated the systemic approach of the scheme, including attempts at defining the character of four distinct sub-districts through differentiated treatment of public spaces. It was also noted with interest that the proposed location for I.C.C. has great validity, both in terms of its setting and its relationship to other elements of the Central Area. In the southern quadrant, a certain disregard for existing buildings raises questions about the implementability of the proposed public space network; this should be seriously reworked, and, if properly done, could lead to a profitable adjustment of the most rigid aspects of the scheme to the existing urban fabric. The jury also appreciated the scheme's attempts at proposing innovative visual symbols in the built forms. Resulting buildings are not necessarily credible and implementable in the present and future context of development requirements in Montreal. The proponent should be encouraged to rework these building typologies while keeping the innovative qualities which have been shown.
STAGE 2
The jury had already noted the elegant presentation and the systemic approach of this submission. In the second stage, it succeeded in keeping its new directions and its renewed language, while variety and flexibility were introduced in possible alternatives. The project succeeds in respecting most of the existing urban fabric by a daring overlay system. The greater part of its symbolic and placemaking qualities are achieved by cross-shaped plazas: a formal plaza with a 'ceremonial* and an "international" component, and an informal "green belt''. The most interesting contribution of this "green belt" is the "grand stairs" linking Victoria Square to St Patrick's Basilica. This project is a serious attempt at finding a new datum for organizing the Cite" at an intermediate scale between that of Old Montreal and of the Central Business District. Multi-layered overlays and structures are put forward in a very didactic way which might assist in the definition or urban design guidelines. Attempts at defining "scenery" elements to achieve a new silhouette were noted with interest But the project has failed to establish credible, developable or implementable building elements. In the central area, the project relies heavily upon a set of unitary forms as its basic organizational principle. Given the participation of numerous architects and developers in the implementation of the Cite, such a conception is not deemed durable. The innovative vocabulary of forms to achieve the basic concept is defined by unrealistic building typologies. The "green belt* might be extending too far towards the south, where it might compete with Rue McGill. As for the "International Plaza", it is cut in two by heavy traffic on Avenue Viger. The location of the International Conference Center remains credible as in the first stage.
(From jury report)
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