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place Monique-Mercure
By : civiliti
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 15th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Special Awards / Landscape + Lighting : Gold Certification
Categories : Urban Design / Civic Design Project : Silver Certification
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture - Cultural & Institutional Project : Silver Certification
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture - Public Space : Gold Certification
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Street Terrace / Parkland : Gold Certification
Place Monique-Mercure is a new urban square opposite the side façade of the Outremont theater on Bernard Street. The design responds to the borough's vision of creating a unique place, an urban oasis and a meeting place for everyone, while celebrating the Outremont theater as a major architectural landmark. Drawing inspiration from the art deco architecture of the heritage theatre, the design features a continuous line pattern that winds through the space, forming a sequence of three-dimensional modules and spaces. Together, the modules offer different types of urban furniture and modes of appropriation for the public, whether for relaxation, meetings or even small spontaneous theatrical events. This three-dimensional decorative line is the signature of Place Monique-Mercure, a unique place to celebrate the public and cultural life of the borough. Three lightboxes are patterned from the interior art deco décor of the theatre.
URBAN THEATRE
The design celebrates the public realm as the archetypal theatre of daily life. The purpose of the long winging bench is to provide multiple seating nooks off the pedestrian corridor, micro-environments for families, couples, or the solitary flaneur who wishes to spend a few moments to take in the urban animation that naturally congregates around the Outremont Theatre and Bernard Street.
STAGE SETTING
The Outremont Theatre sought distinguishing elements that could easily be used for spontaneous theatrical events, enabling the institution to engage directly with the public. The elongated assemblage in front of the theatre’s side doors and staircase creates a spatial vis-à-vis and mini stage setting for such impromptu occasions. At the other end of the dark granite line, the pyramid offers a second obvious platform for improvised dance or acrobatics, or simply for people watching.
TOUCH AND PLAY
The continuous lines of granite and stainless steel, rising from the ground plane, initiates a playful circuit to discover, outside the constraining regulations that inhibit the design of typical playgrounds. The soft touch of the honed finish of the granite is perfect for gentle sliding. The finish brings out the deep colour of the stone and, with the steel, shimmers in the light of day and, at night, reflects the ambient illumination of the lightboxes.
NIGHT AMBIANCE
Bernard Street is a lively urban environment late into the summer nights. The three lightboxes along place Monique-Mercure provide just the right amount of light to create a gentle and comforting ambiance. The floral motif of the lightboxes come to life as a dreamy night landscape. The distinctive character ensures the space is animated at night and that it remains as a key public destination along the street.
Collaboration
