National Urban Design Awards — 2010 Recipient | Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

 

National Urban Design Awards — 2010 Recipient

Transformation of the Bonaventure Expressway at the Montreal Downtown Gateway
Montréal
QC
Award Category: 
Urban Design Plans

Groupe Cardinal Hardy collaboration: Urban Soland : paysages urbains and Société du Havre de Montréal

In dismantling the expressway and requalifying Montreal’s main gateway, the Bonaventure project recognizes the importance of revitalizing the sector by creating an attractive community. The proposed concept favours alternative modes of transportation, quality urban development, the integration of public art and the design of a safe living environment. Covering an area of nearly 110,000 m2, the new Quartier Bonaventure will be a diversified community comprising offices, housing, a hotel, businesses and several green spaces. The aim is to obtain LEED-ND certification for the overall project and LEED-NC certification for its buildings. The project will be carried out over a period of about 20 years and attract over $1.5 billion investment dollars.

Jury Comment(s): 

“This plan is a bold project: the conversion of an expressway and the creation of a lively neighbourhood environment for people.  [This project] tames the car, and improves the pedestrian environment.  The buildings inserted in the freeway have enough authority to stand on their own.  If implemented, this project would change the whole perception of this entrance to the City of Montreal, and tie Old Montreal to the rest of the city.”

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