The machine and its history
Let's imagine this machine as a benevolent force that has always inhabited the Laval soil and that now springs from the earth. A tool that has shaped the territory here and there from the agricultural era to the present day. As if from a legend, this fabulous machine whose image remains elusive, is visible and recognizable in an identity and visual language of its own. Thus its trace and its print are affixed everywhere where one finds the cultural framework. Like a new mythology, it brings the idea that the heart of Laval did not develop randomly or recently, on the contrary, that it has been inhabited and carrying culture since time immemorial.
Engine of creation: the human scale
Matrice creates multiple sub-spaces; places that encourage and prioritize encounters and improvised discussions. It is through the implementation of spaces brought back to a human scale, through places dedicated to the germination of creation, places of exchange of all kinds (green islands, plots, paths, cultural offices, etc.) that the citizen will find his place. Through the installation of temporary and permanent installations, as well as cultural programming starting in 2020, Matrice supports Laval as a hub and laboratory for art and culture. We will create bridges between cultural institutions in order to weave a network for exploration and research/creation.
The machine and its footprint: a concept deployed in the landscape
Like an embroiderer spinning the lace of the urban fabric, the manifestations of the machine are sensitive, structured and systematic. The entire visual signature is derived from the history of our machine and its trace in the landscape. The visual language present in the various elements of the design is similar to that of embroidery. It is inspired in particular by stitches and other patterns generated by a process of repetition. It combines the sensitive intervention of the manual gesture with that of the tool and the mechanism.
In order to create a strong and distinctive identity, we ensure the implementation of structuring markers for future developments. These markers include vegetation, lighting, floor markings and signage.
Lighting is a key element that, when done correctly, becomes safe, distinctive and identifies. We will work with perforated surfaces to achieve a jagged light that echoes the mesh and dot patterns that are part of the overall concept.
Vegetation is essential to create islands of coolness and provide shaded areas for pedestrians. It is an effective way to reduce the scale of major boulevards and create enveloping circulation areas for users and even around construction sites. The plant palette, with its contrasting native and ornamental species, naturally complements the colors of the development. The tops of buildings and specific installations are covered with greenery.
Ground markings frame and energize pedestrian spaces. Depending on the choice of paint or paving used, it can help reduce heat islands. Through the patterns of the markings, the narrative framework is inscribed in the landscape.
The signage, a flagship and distinctive element, also uses the principle of rhythm and repetition consistent with the overall visual.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Qualities of the proposal:
- The narrative of the "machine / embroiderer who spins the lace of the urban fabric" is very strong, shows great sensitivity, and is in line with the vision Creative Metamorphoses.
- The proposal is clear, easy to appropriate for the general public; it makes one dream and arouses the imagination.
- Several interesting ideas are presented, including references to the region's agricultural activities, to the Mille Îles River for the motifs and to the 14 municipalities in the arches.
- The multiplicity of interventions of all kinds and the fact that we wanted to illustrate or represent a complete project, including the real estate development, currently freezes the project.
- The idea of artistic routes with non-original works does not fit in with Laval's desire to distinguish itself as a great cultural city.
Formal qualities:
- The delicacy (lace) that contrasts with the automobile environment is successful.
- The interventions in terms of furniture (bench, cabinets of culture) are mastered formally.
- The project is globally at the scale of the site.
- The interpretation of the lace is too literal.
- The cabinets of culture are not at the scale of the site (possible result of the budget). This first intervention should be more monumental to strongly assert the deployment of Creative Metamorphoses.
- While the verticality presented for the city entrances works well, there is a problem of scale in the representation of the arches.
Experiential and Perceptual Qualities:
- This performance is the only one that clearly sets the tone for the envisioned ambiences in the long-term vision.
Social and Cultural Qualities:
- The idea that we can connect with the City and the people is strong.
- The notion of mixed use (ref. linear skate park) contributes to the liveliness of the sector.
- The notion of a "living laboratory" is clear in the text of the presentation, but is not reflected in the sketches presented.
- It is difficult to grasp how the citizen will fit into the development of the vision.
Functional qualities and feasibility:
- The technical and financial feasibility of the first intervention is demonstrated.
- The in situ performance, pavement marking and art rental cannot be part of a three-year capital program (with a minimum intervention life of 5 years).
- The proposed urban redevelopment interventions involving major works or infrastructure works exceed the scope of the narrative and visual concept mandate.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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