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Place François-De Sales-Gervais
By : BC2
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Special Awards / Landscape - Wood : Gold Certification
Categories : Urban Design / Civic Design Project : Silver Certification
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture - Public Space : Silver Certification
Place François-De Sales-Gervais is a historic site transformed into a cultural identity space in the heart of Contrecoeur. Located on the site where François-De Sales Gervais worked as an innkeeper and restaurateur, the square was developed to enhance the image of the downtown area, strengthen its identity elements and promote active mobility. The square offers a fluid connection to the downtown area, inviting passersby to venture into its facilities through a strong axis of penetration with the Holy Trinity Church.
The essence of Place François-De Sales-Gervais lies in its relationship with the St. Lawrence River, one of the largest freshwater rivers in the world, which has played an essential role in early Canadian history. Over the centuries, it has defined cultures, contributed to Quebec’s economy and transported goods and passengers. The development of Place François-De Sales-Gervais is based on the desire to renew the link between Quebecers and this collective asset.
The new developments of Place François-De Sales-Gervais improve the attractiveness of the downtown area and unify the spaces through pedestrian links and plazas directed towards the river. The various observation points, delineated by the new developments, offer panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River. Boat and landing zones allow visitors to venture out onto the river, and the site is designed to host various festive events and community activities, becoming a place of socialization perfectly integrated with its natural ecosystem.
The main material of the site is wood, which allows the space to be integrated into its natural and river context. Wood represents a strong identity element of the project, underlining the history of the site and optimizing the integration of the site in its environment. The use of wood in the construction of the different structures has allowed to reduce the environmental impacts since a sector of the space is located in the riparian strip and in a flood zone.
To ensure the resilience of the space, the materials used were selected for their durability and water resistance. In addition to wood, materials such as cast iron, powder-coated galvanized steel, and concrete were preferred, without compromising the aesthetics and utility of the new facilities. Native plants adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of the site were favored along the shoreline, and the vegetation includes an invasive plant control element.
The development of Place François-De Sales-Gervais was made possible by a grant from the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) as part of the Green and Blue Network of Greater Montreal. The site serves as a model for other similar projects, providing a guideline for sustainable design and waterfront enhancement. Place François-De Sales-Gervais is not only a beautiful space, but also a symbol of cultural identity and a celebration of Quebec’s natural resources.
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