WAA Montréal en collaboration avec Ponton Guillot
The winning project is compliant with the competition program and responds to the borough’s expectations, perfectly conveying the concept of a civic hub and striking a successful balance as a venue for events as well as for everyday uses. The site offers multiple opportunities for residents to make it their own, in any season. The jury members see in it a strong identity as an institutional public square that aptly fulfils its role as a meeting and gathering place for the borough, across from City Hall.
The jury members appreciated the landscaping approach, which extends the Parc Du Millénaire woodland to the open urban and civic space, promoting accessibility of the square and a generous, inviting opening onto Boulevard de Pierrefonds. That approach is consistent with borough planners’ intention to connect the square to the boulevard once the latter is redeveloped.
The Water Square, with its misting units, will allow Pierrefonds-Roxboro residents to engage with water in a new way, positively presenting this natural element that, in the past, has had a devastating impact on the surrounding area.
Universal design principles appear to have been given serious consideration as a defining project feature, clearly guiding certain design orientations and decisions.
The jury emphasized that the winning project has the potential to inspire a genuine sense of pride and belonging among citizens, enhancing the role of the square as a symbolic, community-building space.
