The Ville de Montréal has unveiled on January 18, 2010 the winning concept in the city's bus shelter design competition, submitted by the consortium Leblanc + Turcotte + Spooner.
The competition was for the design of a new bus shelter incorporating various elements including an advertising poster frame, a bench and a solar power system. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) plans to have 400 new shelters built for installation all across its network, gradually replacing the current models and responding to new needs
A modular, more accessible shelter
Drawing inspiration from the STM's newly minted brand signature, "Mouvement collectif," the design proposal by Leblanc + Turcotte + Spooner offers a modular, scalable solution. Featuring a self-supporting structure, the concept enables the manufacturing of base models, with the possibility of joining several units together to create variable-size configurations that can accommodate larger or smaller numbers of users.
The design features a communications column, which could house various components including dynamic digital displays and backlit advertising posters. An integrated solar power system will ensure lighting of shelters that cannot be connected to the power grid.
The jury was especially impressed with the potential for integration and modular construction afforded by the winning team's proposal. In a statement, jury Co-chairs Denise Vaillancourt, Executive Director, Planning, Marketing and Communications, STM, and Gilles Saucier, architect and Partner in the firm Saucier + Perrotte, noted: "This preliminary design offers innovative solutions to the complex problems with which the competing designers were presented. The concept incorporates current technologies, and meets the STM's comfort and safety requirements."
Jury's comments on the finalists' proposals
The jury underlines the outstanding work submitted by the entrants, and thanks each team. The project by Arium Design and TAK Design Industriel paid special attention to accessibility, and drew formal inspiration from Montréal's office buildings and church steeples. Godbout, Plante Associés' proposal emphasized consistency of form with existing street furniture while incorporating state-of-the-art technological ideas. The elegant concept by MESSIER Designers bore a "re-light the stars" theme, with a star-studded roof and an overhang projecting beyond the shelter. Lastly, Morelli Designers and Signature Design Communication submitted a design hinging on simple formal language and clean, uncluttered lines.
Follow up to the competition
The STM will issue a call for tenders by spring 2010 for the manufacturing of prototypes for the bus shelter and its various components. The firm selected will be required to enlist the services of the winning design firm. In addition, the STM will conduct its own evaluation of the prototypes and survey its users to gauge their appreciation of the design.