Pôles d'attraction is a project proposing three spectacular and unusual play experiences designed to blend perfectly with the landscaping concept of the Esplanade Tranquille. In this sense, the formal approach to the design of the new installations relies on the reuse of the circle and the red color of the many mats and planters that will be deployed when the rink closes. By completing a family of equipment with circular forms, the possibilities of configuration of the square become multiple and perfectly serve the flexible programming of this large urban terrace.
The new interventions are concentrated in the form of three poles and are positioned organically among the current furniture in order to distribute the tension created on the site. Including the carousel, the fountain and the mound, they succeed in circumscribing new playful experiences in convivial and intimate micro-environments where it is good to gather to exchange, to play, to relax, to create. In their essence, these ambiances seek to be in continuity with the spirit of the backyard conveyed by the design concept imagined for the site.
The reinvented carousel, consisting of a large disk in which seven gondolas are embedded, can comfortably accommodate about twenty people. Young and old alike can relax there, while contemplating a magnificent urban panorama as it gently passes by. For both safety and experiential reasons, the carousel platform rotates slowly. This allows everyone to board the carousel without any problem, even if it is in motion. In the spirit of interactivity, six of the seven gondolas are equipped with pedals. By choosing to pedal from the front or the back, users allow their cabin to rotate back and forth. They can choose to orient themselves to the surrounding views or to the sunlight. The ergonomics of the seat and the positioning of the pedals are calibrated to accommodate people of different sizes.
The reinvented fountain is made of a surface dotted with curious asperities and distinguishes itself from more traditional water games by its resolutely interactive aspect. Users are invited into an arena-like area where they discover small bumps designed to trigger nozzles on contact. They have been sized so that they are low enough to not be an obstacle, but high enough to be a tactile invitation. For fun and refreshment, the more adventurous can have fun activating as many nozzles as possible to animate the entire fountain. Like a "sleep" mode, the fountain can activate all of its jets for a short cycle following a period of inactivity. At sunset, lighting fixtures located at the periphery of each nozzle illuminate the vertically projected water droplets, creating a beautiful scene. The fountain's play area is surrounded by twelve modules consisting of access slopes and benches. Among these, two are used to hide the electronic and hydraulic components required. During the time of year when the fountain is in storage, the bench-type modules can be reused in the plaza to complement the other two poles.
The mound was conceived as a complementary playful element. It offers visitors new views of the square. In order to attract people of all ages, it includes bleachers for those who simply wish to take a break and musical slides for those who wish to be entertained. The musical effects and arrangements were developed following this logic: each descent triggers a series of four sounds corresponding to the number of steps on the mound, each slide corresponds to a note, each step corresponds to an octave and the use of the three slides simultaneously creates chords. In order to allow a continuous renewal of the experience, the sounds, produced by a microcomputer, are linked to the use of different instruments and selected randomly. Finally, to enhance the experience during the night, the use of the slides also triggers the successive oscillation of LED ribbons on the steps of the mound. Of smaller dimensions than the two other poles, this third installation presents a beautiful flexibility of establishment and has the advantage of being able to be moved easily in the surroundings. Moreover, its vocation was imagined in order to allow a four seasons use. In winter, its slides will naturally complement the skating rink and the theme of the site.
In order to give coherence to all of these experiences, which are extremely different in nature, the materiality of each of the poles is treated according to a common logic based on the use of three main materials. The steps of the carousel, the benches of the fountain as well as the steps of the mound are surfaces with rounded edges, made of folded aluminum plates. The floor surfaces, which include the top of the carousel platform, the floor of the fountain and the peripheral mat of the mound, are made of red rubber, identical to that used elsewhere in the square. The atypical elements with more organic shapes that include the carousel gondolas, the small bumps of the fountain and the mound slides are made of fiberglass.
In conclusion, it is through this minimalist expression that Pôles d'attractions succeeds in synthesizing many objectives. The project aims to be well integrated into the site, versatile, multisensory, family-oriented and hopes to become the perfect reflection of a very original commission that reflects the unique and creative character of the Quartier des spectacles de Montréal.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Qualities of the proposal
The proposal's intent was the weakest element judged by the jury members. The proposal is at odds with the programmatic will to make this space a friendly and intimate place. The poles presented are playful but there is no narrative discourse that unites them. They are three very distinct objects. The project is intriguing but not appropriate to the place.
Experiential qualities
The jury would like to highlight the originality and variety of the proposed experiences. This proposal stands out from others and surprises (wow effect). The interactions are simple to understand and effective. The interactivity with the fountain is a strong point of the proposal.
Formal and landscape qualities
The formal qualities of the furniture elements are appreciable. The fountain is on a human scale and is the most successful element of the proposal.
However, the jury notes a lack of sensitivity and poetry in the formal approach to the other furniture elements, particularly the carousel. The project has a very strong signature that creates an edge over the existing design and current furniture. The strong identity of the furniture is difficult to integrate into the site.
Functional qualities, durability and ease of use, feasibility
Given the technical and budgetary issues, although it may be questionable to use water from the aqueduct continuously, the proposed misting fountain is a well-controlled element of the proposal.
As with the first stage of the competition, the jury was not convinced of the ease of movement, transportation and storage of the reinvented carousel. The carousel is bulky and has several components. This element will be very difficult for the Quartier des spectacles Partnership to manage during festival periods. In terms of maintenance, the jury points out that the hollow gondolas of the carousel will require frequent cleaning (piles of leaves and waste).
Consideration of universal accessibility remains a very weak point in the proposal. This lack of consideration is difficult to justify in the context of a project that is intended for the entire population.
In conclusion, despite the team's expertise, the jury is not convinced that this project could meet the budget, given the numerous components and varied manufacturing processes. Among other things, the jury emphasized the significant amount of labour that would be required to build the circular stairs surrounding the carousel.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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