The Lachine Canal zone was one of Canada’s most important industrial areas. My site is the abandoned Redpath Sugar Refinary area along the canal and next to the Saint-Gabriel Lock. The vicinity of the lock once was the industrial heart of the canal for more than a century. In 1854, prominent businessman John Redpath, who had much to do with the building of the Canal itself, built this refinery complex. Therefore it is an ideal site for Industrialization museum and Interpretive Center of Lachine Canal and they are intrinsically allied. At same time, ecological or sustainable aspect will be introduced into the reuse design process, to encourage people to know more about the natural environment and to present them the idea that preservation of nature is directly related to our quality of life and future development of next generations.
| item/evaluation | ok | good | note |
| accessiability | y | ||
| building expansion | y | ||
| visibility | y | ||
| site condition | y | ||
| infrastructure | y | ||
| heritage | y |
This picture shows the shape of Redpath complex.
How does the presence of a new complex create an apposite skyline of this area ?
1998 aerial photo
The vicinity of the site is undergoing functional change. Some old industrial buildings have been reused as residence.
The site is located between fast lane for cars and slow path for bicycles. In the future, Parks Canada will use pleasure boats to take tourists from old port to here along the canal.
It seems that the site is on a relatively open place, and the relationship of future thesis complex and the waterfront of the canal is critical.
