source: Access Montréal
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Site

The search for the site has been narrowed down to an empty lot in the east of Old Montreal. I've been thinking of a possible expansion to the National Circus School on the west edge of the site, and a possible connection to the bridge on the north side. Architecture can bring a dialogue between several spaces. If they are different in some ways, the spilling and the movement of the users from one to the other will create interesting activities. In particular with this site, the project must acknowledge the presence of the existing residential apartment buildings, and must attempt to integrate with its surrounding. The uniqueness of the site comes from its location, as a terminating point for the Montreal Old Port activities. The actual movement of visitors is deflected away from the site into the small island, and ends at the Clock Tower for the WWI and WWII soldiers, and the Monument for the Norwegian and Canadian Sailors who arrived in 1864. The river-view to the south, and the bridge in the north provide an opportunity to experiment in design.

The east and south are open views to the Jacque-Cartier Bridge and the St. Laurence river, respectively (see sketch). Photographs were taken in February, while it was cold and windy, especially when standing on Notre-Dome bridge.

Entry to private parking of National Circus School, which could provide access to the project. The empty lot seen between the school and the apartment building on the right is currently being developed by Boutros-Pratte Architectes for residential use.

Standing on the bridge and looking down onto the site. The Notre-Dome bridge provides pedestrian access to the upper levels of the National Circus School.

bridge details

Remains of a building protected and mothered by the bridge.