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Accessibilité universelle station Jolicoeur
By : COEX Architecture
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Concrete : Silver Certification
Categories : Other categories in architecture / Unclassified Category in Architecture : Silver Certification
Public transit is a fundamental feature of any thriving city. It allows millions of people, from all socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, and ages to navigate their surroundings freely, while mitigating negative environmental effects. For this reason, the Société de transport de Montréal has prioritized improving its infrastructure to ensure universal accessibility. Jolicoeur distinguishes itself among the heritage stations receiving new elevators, having undergone a significant redesign to render it accessible to all.
The architectural intervention of this station fuses harmony with intention. The bold concrete elevator shafts, clearly departing from the station’s original design, serve as a contemporary signature while paying homage to the distinctive brutalist identity of the Montreal metro network. In contrast, the existing glass canopy functions as a unifying element, discreetly integrating the new glass corridors into the established structure.
Jolicoeur station occupies a prominent place in the landscape, infusing life into the adjacent De La Vérendrye Park. In daylight, the structure reveals a simple combination of steel, tinted glass, and concrete. In the evening, it gently illuminates its surroundings, casting a soft glow on the nearby green space. This brightness and transparency go beyond aesthetics. They improve the neighborhood’s security and ensure that users are visible during their commute, providing them with a sense of safety and community.
The accessibility aspect of the project transcends the obvious social implications of inclusivity and equality. It has a direct and profound impact on the environment by encouraging the use of public transportation by the entire population. This includes significant improvements for parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, cyclists, and others who may have had more difficulty accessing public transportation. The choice of material also promises an extended lifespan, as well-constructed concrete is resilient against environmental factors such as aging, chemical exposure, and abrasion, and is accompanied by low maintenance costs.
Collaboration
Architect : COEX Architecture + STM-Grands projets et maintien des actifs
Engineering : Stantec + STM-Grands projets et maintien des actifs
