This proposal seeks to re-establish place Jacques-Cartier as an important public space within the City of Montréal, accommodating both intensive daily activity as well as large public events. The design reinforces the historical role of place Jacques-Cartier as an informal place of gathering and encourages the use of the space, not only by tourists but by residents of Montréal.
The "Place" defined by the Nelson column and the proposed Jacques-Cartier Tower becomes the focus of this activity. The market is re-introduced on the upper portion of the space. Vehicular traffic is permitted only when the market stalls are being set up or dismantled, clearing a large portion of the site for pedestrian use. The market, specializing in arts and crafts will benefited from related activities in Old Montréal. The museums, crafts studios, design showrooms in the area, the narrow valleys of rue Saint-Amable and the proposed rue Le Royer, offer an experience unique in Montréal. The slope of the site creates an amphitheatre, with the Jacques-Cartier Tower as its focus.
The extension of place Jacques-Cartier into the landscaped park between the old city and the piers represent a paradigm for the intensification of this landscaped park. The tower sited at the former shoreline of Old Montréal recalling this now buried geological feature, becomes a garden element, a folly in a picturesque landscape.
While the slope of place Jacques-Cartier encourages constant movement and animation, the sunken forecourt to City Hall provides a space for passive activities. The Château de Ramezay is objectified within this space intensifying its presence within the city.
The proposed architecture acknowledges the historical centre of Montréal as well as it location next to city hall, and achieve a contemporary expression using materials characteristic of Old Montréal. This proposal creates a space for everyone's use and quiet enjoyment as well as ceremonial events, public celebrations and gatherings during all times of the year.
(From specialized magazine)
The project contains attractive aspects, in particular its skill in the articulation of the built form, the functionning of the buildings and the quality of the architectural expression.
Examination shows that the block facing City Hall is entirely reserved for museums.
A public space with reflecting pool is situated on the border of Notre-Dame Street but at 5.75 meters below grade.
Because of the difference in level, this public space complements and enhances the museums but fulfills none of the requirements judged necessary for a space in front of City Hall.
The architecture does not harmonize with the existing environment. The organization of the museums seems satisfactory, nevertheless. The architectural treatment of the elevations, in particular on Place Jacques-Cartier as well as on the court, do not respond to the criteria cited by the authors.
The jury debated the merits of extending the treatment of Place Jacques-Cartier to the Vieux-Port where a tower (Jacques Cartier) has been placed. It was considered that this arrangement tended to give site the character of a boulevard rather than that of a gathering place.
The weakness of the elevation along St. Claude street illustrates that this scheme is more a general concept than a specific study.
The jury had serious reservations concerning the street furniture proposed.
(From jury report)
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- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Plan
- Site Plan
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- Elevation
- Elevation
- Axonometric Drawing
- Schema
