Share to
Piétonnisation de l’Avenue du Mont-Royal
By : Castor et Pollux, paysage et design urbain
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 15th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Pedestrian Street / Shared Street : Silver Certification
Due to the 2020 pandemic, neighbourhood public space had to be reinvented. In many areas all over Montreal, safe active mobility routes were established to allow physical distancing and community life, and to stimulate the local economy. During the summer period, 2.5 km along Mont-Royal Avenue was closed to vehicular traffic. To plan the project, the avenue’s commercial development association asked Castor et Pollux to develop a site plan to organize the street closure, the installation of art work and design street painting. Given its success, pedestrianization was repeated in 2021, even though distancing directives were removed. During the second year, the goal was to design a lively and green pedestrian street, to promote the sharing of space between users (on foot and bicycle) and to create a sense of belonging. The results from the evaluation of the 2020 experience, instituted during the pandemic emergency, guided our work.
Intersections: plantings at 29 entrances added a green perspective
Using 75 wood boxes planted with willow cuttings, each intersection was closed to vehicular traffic. Pedestrian priority was signalled by this new greenery. Veritable living sculptures, the intertwined willow plants grew during the summer, and provided a breath of cool air to the avenue. They set the scene, pedestrians were keen. Capturing the visual identity of Mont-Royal Avenue, at the major intersections large podiums signalled that this was a pedestrian street. These signs reinforced the addition of vegetation for a clear message: a Slow Zone was created.
The central parts of the blocks, a quiet space that is commercially, socially and culturally dynamic
The avenue is comprised of seven areas, organized in an array of green shades. Each area has its own artistic garden and various signs featuring the local stores and the different spaces to hang out. Small platforms house the information and offer small terraces, they are new meeting points for residents and other users.
Social and environmental impact:
* Promote soft and active mobility
* Support the local economy
* Encourage free play and impromptu encounters while respecting public health measures
* Energize a vital commercial artery in the borough during the pandemic
Collaboration
