Bélanger Beauchemin Morency architectes et urbaniste
Rémi Morency
David Paradis
Québec, Québec
Cinétique tectonique
The jury chose this proposal because of its topographical explorations, which afford diverse experiences for visitors walking between the Champ-de-Mars and Place-d’Armes métro stations. Members also appreciated the intelligent implementation of buildings in the western end of the site, which would frame and redefine the city blocks. Assessment of the impact on sightlines toward Mount Royal would obviously have to be conducted, as the buildings along Avenue Viger seem somewhat high. Extension of the project beyond Boulevard Saint-Laurent all the way to the Palais des congrès, combined with the continuous roof layout, creates a new series of monumental gates to Boulevard Saint-Laurent. The possibility of accessing these roofs from the eastern extremity of the site, though quite hypothetical, has the merit of nurturing dreams of a spectacular urban promenade providing exceptional panoramic views of the city. This proposal, with its expansive roof terraces, would create a grandiose architectural and landscaped walkway. There is great cohesion to the overall design, and the métro entrance is well set off thanks to the adjacent layout of “folds” in the surface.