Avé l'été

Discipline : Landscape & Territories

Categories : Urban Design / Community initiative & tactical urbanism : Gold certification

Avé l'été: Breathing new life into an iconic neighbourhood

Anchored in a strong visual identity and adaptable public furniture, Avē l’été! animates the Quartier Latin throughout the summer. The temporary installations celebrate the neighborhood’s francophone roots, foster connection, and offer pockets of calm and delight within a vibrant urban setting.

A strong identity to support new ambitions

Avē l’été! (Hello, summer!) reaffirms the cultural vitality of Montréal’s Quartier latin, a neighbourhood where bustling patios, street arts and francophone heritage come together. Inspired by its Parisian namesake, the project offers a warm and contemporary summer experience, unifying the district’s many cultural layers under a strong, cohesive identity.

The identity draws from the iconic visual language of Parisian awnings, establishing an instantly recognizable graphic system. The identity comes to life through signage, urban graphics, and thematic plazas inspired by Latin names, reshaping the district into a lively stage where culture, language, and architecture converge.

Custom furniture to support programming

The design team created a modular system of urban interventions designed to adapt to the multiple functions and activities of the neighborhood during the summer.

The furniture allows for significant flexibility, enabling configurations that encourage social interaction, highlight greenery, or create moments of quiet observation where visitors can pause and take in the life of the neighbourhood.

The chair as an instrument of public space activation

At the heart of the system, the “simple” chair embodies the human scale at the core of the project. Easily reoriented, it enables spontaneous groupings, conversation and diverse ways of inhabiting the space. A discreet anchoring mechanism prevents theft while preserving freedom of movement—an essential balance in such a highly frequented district.

Greenery as a structural element

The planting selection, developed in harmony with the project’s identity, enhances the pedestrian experience while offering shade, comfort and visual rhythm. Through variations in density and height, vegetation helps shape distinct atmospheres that range from intimate pockets to lively, festive zones.

Measurable Impact: 1.1 million visitors and a 15% increase in foot traffic

The project generated increased attendance and high satisfaction levels: visitors stayed longer, spent more and expressed strong appreciation for the urban installations. Avē l’été! demonstrates the power of design to strengthen the commercial, cultural and identity-driven vitality of a key downtown district.

The project in images