The Roof Line
The roof is an architectural element that covers, protects, and unifies. The original roof of the Olympic Stadium is an iconic structure that has hosted major events and is composed of massive structural elements that defied gravity. Symbolically, our proposal aims to bring this magnificent floating structure back down to earth.
Our proposal unfolds the elements of the stadium roof along a 2-kilometer route that creates a new link between the Olympic Park area and the river, crossing the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (HoMa) neighborhood and offering local residents and visitors a variety of new urban spaces, amenities, and perspectives.
Each zone along the route has its own identity, with the structural elements of the roof determining the function and character of each space. The route comprises five zones, each identified by a dominant color, as follows:
- "The Periscope" (in yellow) consists of girders, membranes, and cables.
- 'The Weave' (in blue) consists of cladding supports, membranes, and cables.
- 'The Arena' (in orange) consists of flying masts, membranes, and cables (as a secondary element).
- 'The Gates' (in red) consists of flying forks, membranes, and cables (as a secondary element).
- 'La Jetee' (in yellow) consists of beams, struts, flying forks, and cables (as a secondary element).
The struts are scattered throughout the route, used as seating in a variety of configurations and as structural supports for some of the most important elements.
The cables and membranes are reused to provide shade at key points along the route and for temporary and seasonal uses such as artistic programs and landscaping. The outer membrane is also used in certain areas to create soft, lantern-like lighting that contrasts with the hard steel elements.
Our proposal uses the elements almost entirely in their original form, with the minimum modifications necessary to adapt them to their new use. In this way, the architectural and technical heritage of the stadium roof is celebrated while minimizing the environmental impact of the interventions.
By celebrating the various original elements of the roof and connecting the Olympic Park to the river, the project aims to revitalize the neighborhood and create a new attraction for all Montrealers and visitors.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
