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Place Jean-Lapierre, Granby
By : BC2
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Special Awards / Landscape + Lighting : Bronze Certification
Categories : Special Awards / Landscape + New Materials : Gold Certification
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture - Public Space : Gold Certification
Place Jean-Lapierre, an urban oasis nestled in the heart of Granby. Although the trees on this site were planted after the construction of the church, they constitute one of the rare islands of greenery bordering the Principale Street in downtown Granby and are true witnesses of the city’s urban evolution. These trees have thus become the common thread in the development concept of the future citizens’ squares of the master plan, inspired by analogy to this particular relationship that trees can have with each other.
While offering a diversified program that allows for user appropriation, the development concept highlights the fragility of this ecosystem by minimizing interventions above the root system. The trees thus become the true architects by acting directly on the morphology of the new public square.
The undergrowth represents the existing root system and serves as a preservation and optimization zone for local plant species. It provides a forest-like atmosphere, with arborescent species in the understory, which accelerate the succession process. Visitors can explore the area through strategically positioned walkways that allow for easy circulation, and informational signs provide details about the local flora and its benefits to the city. The central areas of each zone offer flexible street furniture that allows visitors to relax and enjoy their surroundings.
The parvis of the former church, transformed into a performance hall and space for the CEGEP de Granby, is an open gathering space, where the steps form bleachers for spectators of outdoor cultural activities. The rain garden adjacent to the forecourt transforms into an outdoor classroom in dry weather. The gabion wall highlights the presence of the former rectory.
Pathways are positioned where the root system is absent. In addition to highlighting the formal language created by the roots by girdling our undergrowth spaces, informal spaces are created allowing the citizens and visitors of Granby to exchange and express themselves, notably through the piano space as well as the various stops on the duckboard walkways.
The lighting design is also a unique feature of Jean-Lapierre Square. The lighting network floats above the vegetation, creating links between the different components of the landscape. It also highlights the richness of the lower vegetation, emphasizing the history of the site. Thanks to motion sensors, the light network is activated in the presence of visitors, dispersing a diffuse blue light that reminds us of the unique link between man and nature and creates a special atmosphere at night.
Jean Lapierre Square is a space that brings together history, nature and community. We hope it will inspire future citizen projects and encourage residents to engage with the natural world of their city.
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