Omnipresent in Quebec's forests, parks and backyards, the willow is a tree that stands out in the forest by its enveloping and singular presence. It invokes feelings of contemplation and vitality. Our conceptual approach for the design of the carousel seeks to sublimate this emotion. We treated it as an object; a kinetic sculpture that would embellish the space, while offering a sensory experience. The graphic design is modern, aiming to reduce the object to its simplest gesture.
The base of our carousel would rest on a rolling system. The speed would be modulated to create a familiar and soft movement. We wish to make it a gathering element, where many can experience it as a group, participating or observing from a distance. Also, the base of our carousel is planned with a slope that makes access universal.
The soundscape of the project is inspired by the world of the carousel and the natural harmony of a tree in the wind. There is a poetic and nostalgic character to the carousels that appeals to an era. Particularly suitable for children and families, it is an object that evokes wonder and joy. Through a contemporary lens, we want to integrate this historical perception with sounds of nature. We plan to create pieces evocative of traditional carousels, filtered through various effects and time stretching methods creating a subtle and abstract beauty. These sounds will be layered with recordings of tree sounds in nature. When the carousel is pushed, the sound starts, and it stops when it is still. With a new push, a new sound file starts. These files could also be changed from season to season. The sounds will be directed towards the interior of the carousel, creating a sonic experience as one enters. The soundtrack will also be transmitted to the rest of the park, blending with the sounds of humans and the city.
The idea of merging the worlds of the tree and the carousel is also the basis of the lighting design. Inspired by the rows of incandescent bulbs found on ancient carousels, the arrangement of light-emitting diodes is seen in rows under the arches of our willow tree. A dynamic sequence of varying white tones, sampled from the movement of light filtered through the foliage of a tree, would aim to create an abstract animation. As the carousel rotates, the linear light grid fades slightly. A soft light emanating from the trunk would create a welcoming glow on the turntable.
In its winter mode, the carousel is intended to remain static. The lighting would change to warmer shades of white and holiday programming would be designed. Complementary furniture would be placed around the Willow to sit and enjoy the show.
For the fountain element and complementary furniture, we continued with biomimicry thinking by drawing inspiration from elements of local nature. Montreal is an island bordered by the river. So our fountain is treated like a river, with its waterfalls and pools. Its inviting movement, its slopes and curves allow us to lie down and sit in certain places, to stroll around listening to the sound of flowing water. Echoing the arched silhouette of the carousel, the fountain's water jets would be lightly lit from below, emphasizing their domed shape and adding sparkle to the turbulent water at their base.
A hybrid of natural and architectural geology, the Boulders punctuate the space and act as complementary furniture. All these elements can be moved around the site to create different compositions.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Qualities of the proposal
The nature in the city, the idea of resting and the evocation of calm that emerges from the proposal are attributes that appealed to the jury members. However, as noted in the first stage of the competition, the anchoring to the Tranquil Esplanade and the spirit of the backyard is rather weak.
Experiential qualities
The experiential qualities of the carousel are a strength of the concept, particularly in terms of sound and light. The experience is immersive and universally accessible.
On the other hand, the experiences offered by the fountain and rocks are very limited. These furniture elements are elegant but the playfulness is not well developed.
Formal and landscape qualities
The team's decision to group all the play furniture in one place on the site was appreciated by the jury. The installation is successful and integrates well with the layout of the square and the other common furniture elements. The team demonstrates a sensitivity to the layout, which they would like to develop in several options.
The furniture elements are aesthetically pleasing and have undeniable formal qualities. The proposal is on the scale of the site. The ability to use the carousel as a sculptural lighting element in winter is appreciated.
Functional qualities, anticipated durability and ease of use, feasibility
In the second stage of the competition, the team better considered the ease of movement, transportation and storage of the playful furniture line.
Some safety and accessibility issues remain, however, with the fountain and rocks (children will try to jump on these concrete elements).
Although the project has undeniable qualities, the feasibility is demonstrated and the team inspires confidence in its ability to carry out its project, the jury preferred the proposal Oasis Tranquilles, whose proposed experiences and purpose are more convincingly in keeping with the spirit of the Tranquille esplanade.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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