Located on the Mount Royal Heritage Site, McGill University enjoys a strategic position between the mountain and the Montreal business district. In 2010, the campus was converted to become completely pedestrianized. Since then, the previous car-oriented environment is gradually being transformed to meet a new vision that focuses on sustainable mobility, increased biodiversity and innovation. Fronting the prominent Leacock Building, Arcadia Studio’s new terrace space creates a more pedestrian-oriented public realm that prioritizes seating and communal space.
Taking advantage of the works required to re-waterproof the concrete slab at the street level of the Leacock building, the university completely demolished the street located on this roof terrace. This required reorganization of the space. Firstly, to better segregate the outdoor lounge from the ventilation shafts, the bicycle parking space along the curtain wall was transferred across the street. The width of the existing road was reduced by half. The space released along the building creates an outdoor salon with resting, gathering and working spaces that are designed to be flexible and distinctive. The expanded number and types of urban furniture includes benches, banquettes, stools, and tables which are grouped according to different arrangements to meet the variety of needs of a diverse clientele. This upgrade of facilities provides added value for the benefit of all campus users. This also provided the additi...