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Parcs Nature Montréal
Discipline : Urban Design, Landscape Architecture & Landscaping
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture of an Environmental Project : Gold Certification
This landmark three-pronged project called for extensive analysis and reflection to update master plans and devise a sweeping landscape architecture strategy.
It involved replacing belvederes, footbridges and paths for three Montreal nature parks: Bois-de-L’île-Bizard, Bois-de-Liesse and Pointe-Aux-Prairies.
Two key principles underlie the project’s framework:
• A thorough grasp of the relationship between each built component, the user and the space
• In-depth knowledge of each site and its ecology to best showcase the landscape
Environmental, heritage, social and economic analyses yielded a detailed understanding of a wide range of environments, from wetlands to a former limestone quarry. Guiding every intervention was the fragility of flora and fauna.
The strategic placement and orientation of safe, four-season structures and furniture promote interpretation and observation while directing visitors away from the most sensitive areas.
The creation of signature layouts, atypical viewpoints and routes adds atmosphere and generates a guiding thread through each sector. Compositional and signature elements invite progressive discovery as they blend structure and landscape. Materials, shapes, textures and colours harmonize with the changing seasons. The project increases biodiversity and allows for periodic flooding.
Lemay’s work protects each park and enriches the user experience, unifying diverse contexts with a brand image and approach that maximize natural environments.
Collaboration
Landscape Architecture : Lemay
Engineering : Pasquin St-Jean et Associés.
General Contractor : Groupe Deric
