Olympic Grove
In addressing the challenge of re-using the existing roof, our team aims to address the current needs of the surrounding area. Currently, the developed area immediately around the Stadium is un-shaded, expansive, and has large stretches of concrete that can be unwelcoming. The area also lacks biodiversity, in stark contrast to the adjacent Botanical Garden and indoor Biodome.
Our proposed concept is an extended, shaded, gathering space reusing the masts, forks, and cables to support canopies made from the membranes. These will be placed at various locations surrounding the stadium, noted on the map. The vertical elements will be anchored by driven sections of perimeter truss steel. Other portions of perimeter truss can serve as gateways at various locations. The canopies will be removed in the winter to avoid heavy snow accumulation. During winter, the masts and forks can support string lighting or holiday decorations. Year-round, the forks and trusses can provide ideal structures for hanging plants, birds' nests, and other biohabitat to bring more life above the paved space. The wide dispersal of these structures can anchor pollinator pathways between the Botanical Gardens and surrounding neighborhoods, among other ecological functions.
Beyond material re-use and ecological restoration, the summertime canopies, which will celebrate the existing tears, can also serve as a canvas to bring art into the space. This can include design from local First Nations artists to bring the local ancient history and contemporary indigenous culture into the gathering space. It can also include designs that pay tribute to the sporting history of the city, and the huge impact the Expo, Olympics, and subsequent events have had on Montreal.
The benefits of this scheme are multiple. First, the removable canopies will allow flexibility for changing use of the space seasonally. Secondly, the forks and trusses will provide a natural place for planting and nesting, welcoming life into the space. Third, the forks and trusses will also provide a striking feature that will visually tie in the history of the stadium and the area. Art on the summer canopies can further tie the local history and culture into the space. Finally, and perhaps most critically, the shaded and covered areas in a central location will provide a cultural and trade space to foster gathering and economic activity. This can be a place where people could linger and want to return to, and be connected to their local history and culture.
(From competitor's text)
