The urban design ideas competition for the redevelopment of rue Notre-Dame, in Lachine, is designed to stimulate the search for innovative proposals that will enrich reflection on the future of this artery. The results of the competition will be compiled in a "cahier des possibles" (book of possibilities), which will serve as a basis for discussion with local stakeholders (citizens, merchants, elected officials, civil servants, developers, etc.) with a view to planning the developments that will follow the infrastructure work to be carried out over the next few years.
More broadly, the competition seeks to open discussion and generate interest in the vitality of Montreal's commercial streets and their role at the neighbourhood level in a context of major retail transformation. It also aims to stimulate reflection on the creation of a resilient and sustainable environment by reconsidering urban public spaces in a post-pandemic context.
In line with the major orientations of the Montréal 2030 strategic plan, proposals will have to meet the following specific objectives:
- Stimulate the commercial vitality of Notre-Dame Street by offering a distinctive experience and solutions adapted to the new realities of retail;
- Create a strong identity that echoes the historic character of Vieux Lachine;
- Offer inclusive, pedestrian-friendly facilities;
- Redevelop the street according to the principles of social and ecological resilience by adapting public space to the post-pandemic and ecological transition context.
As specified in the rules, this competition is:
- an urban design ideas competition;
- international in scope;
- held in a single stage, based on anonymous submissions;
- leading to the selection of three winners by a jury.
At the end of the ideas competition, a professional services contract will be awarded to the winners to collaborate with the borough in disseminating the results during the public consultation process. No professional services contract will be awarded for detailed design and implementation. The call for projects is not a commitment to implement a proposal, but rather a process of creation and reflection.
(Consult the competitors' projects for specific comments from the jury)
(From website)
(Unofficial automated translation)
The members of the jury studied the proposals and analyzed them with interest. The overall quality and diversity of the proposals were highlighted. The range of proposals presented a variety of permanent elements, others more temporary or programmatic. The proposals addressed conceptual themes at different levels, with considerations for infrastructure, street sharing or symbolic order.
It was pointed out that commercial issues were sometimes less addressed, and the reality of retailers often evacuated. Nor was the question of the four seasons always taken into account in the development of proposals. Finally, the relationship between the built environment and the street was less explored.
Several proposals attempted to naturalize the street, which is currently very mineralized. All the proposals provide food for thought for the design of a future sustainable project.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Kollectif, Réimaginer la rue Notre-Dame à Lachine | Découvrez les trois équipes lauréates du concours d’idées et votez! - Kollectif, 2021
AAPQ, Concours d’idées en design urbain, AAPQ, 2021
Design Montréal, Réimaginer la rue commerçante - Lauréats, 2021
Portail Constructo, Montréal présente les concepts retenus pour le réaménagement de la rue Notre-Dame à Lachine, 2021
Joly, Karine, Quel visage pour les rues commerçantes d'ici ? Des pistes pour Notre-Dame à Lachine, Nouvelles d'ici, 2021
Sauro, Alexandre, Concepts retenus pour la revitalisation de Notre-Dame, Journal Métro, 2021
