To accompany the construction of the future Sainte-Catherine Street, GRAND RUE proposes a spatial and narrative strategy based on four main principles
Soften
The first issue is related to the nuisances induced by a construction site of such a scale. During the implementation of major works, the construction site fence constitutes the main interface of the transformations. Materializing the limit between the construction site and the public space, it offers an ideal support to tell the history of the place, explain the changes to come and facilitate the general orientation. GRAND RUE proposes a lively and easily recognizable palisade. It is made up of two distinct elements: wooden bas-reliefs representing the facades of nearby buildings and textile panels expressing the graphic identity and serving as a vehicle for communication. When the sidewalks are rebuilt, covered walkways pierce the palisades, signalling temporary access to the buildings.
Explain
The second challenge of this major project concerns the appreciation and valorization of the changes made to the commercial axis. GRAND RUE presents the work as a positive act. In addition to clearly identifying the areas under construction and communicating the sequence of work, its installations tell the story of the complexity of the intervention. By envisioning what will surround them tomorrow, the public can better appropriate the changes. This perception is reinforced by a double intervention: graphic communication and scenographic experience.
At the graphic level, a clear and assertive identity structures the visual coherence of the whole. Its basic element is a set of volume edges that fit together and create an abstract image suggesting architectural fragments at different scales. Drawn in white on a vibrant orange background, this motif is a continuation of the signage of road works.
The sequences of patterned palisades are punctuated by poster palisades whose short and punchy sentences present the history of the artery, the work in progress and the development of the future street. Printed in white on a plain deep blue background, they recall the nightlife of Sainte-Catherine Street.
As for the scenographic experience, it begins at the three main entrances of the site with a backlit model of the street that indicates in real time the position of the accesses to the construction site, the zones where the work is being carried out and those where it is completed. In addition to materializing the progress of the work site, this tool promotes better orientation and fluidity of movement. The information contained on this model is also accessible to everyone in the form of images on the web.
Further on, a life-size pilot section gives a real glimpse of the future street: widened sidewalks, plantings and street furniture can be appreciated in a tangible way well before their final installation. A giant screen in the axis of the street offers a trompe l'oeil view whose augmented reality animates the image of the future Sainte-Catherine Street. The experience continues with monitors embedded in the windows of some wooden palisades.
Adapt
The most important constraint of the installation is the flexibility of configuration required for the work to proceed. In response to this, the installation is made up of a family of modular and self-supporting scenographic elements. Most often, these are made up of common site products (concrete barriers, site fencing, scaffolding, platforms, masts and platforms), which makes them easy to move and install with known methods and tools. The system is completed by custom-made elements that add finesse to the whole (mast ballast, corner rails, benches, walkways, printed canvas and flags). The various enlarged plans suggest as many configurations of implementations allowed by this flexible system.
Share
The diversity and multiplicity of people involved to varying degrees during this project required a response based on openness, benevolence and ownership. The transformation of Phillips Square into a construction site city embodies this desire. An element of stability and anchoring in a constantly changing environment, it offers a place of convergence that unites the two main actors of this great change: the public on one side and the workers on the other. On the workers' side, construction trailers perched on a light steel frame protect the statue of Edward VII. The trailers are clad in a printed membrane that echoes the language of the palisades.
Generous windows on the square allow the workers to be seen at work. A frame of platforms protects the base of the statue and forms a first esplanade. On the public side, a double marquee forms a second public square and hosts a series of functions: an information desk, a construction site exhibition, and above all access to the Ferris wheel. This fairground equipment contributes to the festive and positive image that the project proposes.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
Several interesting ideas were brought to the service of this second stage, in particular the construction site city where workers and users cohabit, the Ferris wheel which offers an overall view of the construction site, and the model of the construction site which allows users to better understand the work and to anticipate their movements.
The graphic identity of the service is also one of the best controlled of all the services. The signage is sober, effective and chic, like Sainte-Catherine Street. The posters that present the history of the artery, the work in progress and the development of the future street also contribute to enriching the narrative experience.
From a functional and operational point of view, the installations are modular, easily movable and take into account the reality of the construction site. These facilities, being composed of standard site furniture, also facilitate the daily management by the contractors.
At the first stage, the evaluation criterion dealing with experiential and perceptual issues was considered the weakest in the proposal. The jury noted that the project did provide some improvements in this area, but that it was not enough to create an attractive concept that would remain attractive for four years. The Ferris wheel will undoubtedly lose its appeal during this period and several elements are removed in winter. As for other services, the interventions are characterized by several small-scale gestures that are not on the scale of the major commercial artery that is Sainte-Catherine.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
55 scanned / 55 viewable
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