Axis
A MIXED-USE MASTERPLAN THAT TURNS A NEIGHBORHOOD INTO A PRODUCTIVE ECOSYSTEM
In Collaboration with Justin Boutell & Jennifer Phan
The Axis is the bridge between Montreal’s urban centre and the recreational waterfront of Griffintown. This hybrid master plan design ties together a disparate community of residents, artists, students, and workers. The project focuses on strategic urban connections and creating new, meaningful opportunities between various mixed-use programs.
Through an iterative design approach, the initial concept was refined and optimized for the masterplan, considering factors such as sustainability, user experience, and urban context, and connection, ultimately leading to a well-balanced and innovative mixed-use development.
Iterative Study Models
This architecture project seamlessly blends diverse programs in unexpected ways, creating a dynamic environment where residential, commercial, and cultural functions intersect. The intentional juxtaposition of spaces encourages a natural cross-pollination of ideas and experiences, fostering a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere that goes beyond traditional boundaries, enriching the overall community engagement.
The roofs of this mixed-use development are transformed into dynamic spaces through the integration of unique programs such as rooftop gardens, communal gathering areas, and recreational facilities. These activated rooftops not only offer panoramic views and a sense of connection with nature but also serve as vibrant hubs for social interaction, fostering a sense of community within the building and creating a distinctive and engaging architectural identity.
Exterior Roofscape Program
A vast array of sustainable technologies are integrated in the master plan. These have measurable benefits for the ecosystem of the site including energy generation, waste management, air and water filtration, and food production.
The project is conceived as a closed-loop ecosystem. It prioritizes sustainability by integrating renewable energy sources, waste reduction, and efficient resource management. Through innovative design strategies such as rainwater harvesting, on-site energy generation, and recycling systems, the building not only minimizes its environmental impact but actively contributes to a self-sustaining and regenerative environment.
The sustainable solutions and technologies play a critical role in the qualitative experience of the site. Through activating the senses, they can help to define the social character of the site and make the individual’s encounter with the architecture that much more potent. The sections below describe how people can interact with the landscape in a unique, unexpected, and memorable way.
