WINNER OF A 2022 CANADIAN ARCHITECT AWARD OF MERIT
?The project proposes a well-designed urban solution to the housing problem. The vibrant mix of forms and uses would create a strong community feeling. Bringing back the traditional Montreal alley as a pedestrian space is a strong solution, tying together the different parts and providing a playful environment. The relatively low-volume massing should help with sun penetration and mitigate wind.? ? Louis Lemay, juror
The mixed-use project aims to set a precedent for balancing increased density with a vibrant public realm in the district of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
Montreal?s Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough is about to become a lot more populous. On multiple mega-blocks in the shadow of the former Olympic Stadium?s looming, leaning mast?a constant reminder of the dangers of thinking big without thinking things through?several major residential/mixed-use redevelopments are underway. One of these, Canoë by developer Rachel Julien, designed by Aedifica and ADHOC architectes, comprises approximately 650 condominium units, 200 rental units and 158 social housing units, in tandem with at least 5,600 square metres of retail space. Its mix includes 20% community housing, 20% rental housing and a wide range of family-centric affordable housing units. The Canoë team?s two main strategies for thinking smart while thinking big are inclusive, pedestrian-priority urbanism and a holistic approach to a new neighbourhood?s resource ma...