| Community Park - Atwater |
m1 fall 2000 |
DESIGN small neighbourhood park that will form a gateway between an urban neighbourhood and the Lachine canal.
& SITE parcel of land bounded on the north by Saint Ambroise street, the west by Turgeon street, the south by the Lachine canal, and the east by a recently completed housing development.
The site is located near to the busy Atwater market, yet is hidden behind 3-4 storey buildings. In order to perceive the site from down the canal or up Atwater, a ramp has been installed as a calling sign to locals and visitors alike. The neighbourhood has lost much traffic over the years, yet is set for renewal with upgrades to the canal, as well as the growing popularity of the market. The railroad tracks running across the canal side of the site still serve for freight delivery. They recall a time when the main passenger line that entered Saint Henri was a source of joy, a place to celebrate the arrival of loved ones. The view point created at the top of the ramp recalls that time, with hope that soon we will be enjoying the passage of pleasure boats. The plan of the lower part of the site is low key in comparison and references typical classical squares once all over Montreal' residential districts. Park benches line the east and west side, and the point of entry to the north is marked by a large pool of water. At the south end of the site, where the tracks pass, is a series of large longitudinal planters filled with boulders. This abrupt end point is a deterrent from crossing the tracks, although it in no way stops the strong minded. The scheme is centred on the ramp. Top Next
