Project Highlights
Official Project Name: Collège de Maisonneuve_Jardin Intérieur
Location: Montreal
Project Completion Date: Spring 2023
Surface Area: 9000 ft2
Customer: Collège de Maisonneuve
Project Manager: Noémie Giroux-Carpentier
Collaborators: Nicola Tardif-Bourdages, Cynthia Papineau and Jonathan Allen
Photographer: Maxime Brouillet
In the heart of Collège de Maisonneuve in Montreal lies a hidden gem—a sunken garden under a glass roof. Originally created in 1972, this lush green space had become a beloved spot for students seeking solace amidst their busy academic lives. However, over time, the garden was in need of a makeover to maximize its potential. In 2023, a remarkable transformation took place, led by the innovative minds at Taktik Design. Let’s delve into the architectural marvel that is Collège de Maisonneuve’s Interior Garden.
Reviving the Gem
The original garden, nestled between two pavilions in a Brutalist-style courtyard, underwent a breathtaking revival. The primary goal was to enhance user-friendliness, functionality, and organization while accommodating larger gatherings and diverse activities. Taktik Design approached the project with a vision to create an immersive experience that seamlessly blends nature with human interaction.
Design Concept and Zoning
Light, grandiosity, and the prevalence of plants were central to the redesign. The space was reimagined to offer a vast green area for various activities. Modular furniture was strategically placed to allow flexibility, with provisions for hosting events and even adding a stage if needed. Zoning played a crucial role in delineating different functional areas within the garden, from collaborative spaces to chill-out zones. The incorporation of wooden decks and structures not only added warmth but also humanized the scale of the environment.
Functionality Redefined
The renovated garden is now a hub of activity throughout the week. For students, it serves as a multifunctional space for studying, socializing, and rejuvenating between classes. On weekends and evenings, the garden opens its doors to the public, hosting a myriad of events. The integration of a chill-out zone, complete with wooden deck chairs and Corten steel walls, offers a serene retreat amidst the bustling college life. Additionally, the installation of an irrigation system ensures the garden remains vibrant and lush year-round, while the revamped lighting system adapts to seasonal changes, enhancing visual comfort for users.
Architectural Marvels and Collaborative Efforts
The architectural brilliance of Collège de Maisonneuve’s Interior Garden lies in its meticulous attention to detail. C2V Architecture, along with Taktik Design, spearheaded the project, infusing it with innovation and sustainability. Custom-made, multi-functional furniture crafted from Douglas fir, Corten steel, and galvanized steel epitomize the project’s commitment to eco-conscious design. The addition of vibrant murals by artist Jason Cantoro adds a pop of color and whimsy, offsetting the garden’s Brutalist traits. Furthermore, sculpted pigeons, symbolic of Montreal’s urban landscape, bring an element of playfulness to the space, inviting users to engage with their surroundings.
Conclusion
Collège de Maisonneuve’s Interior Garden stands as a testament to the transformative power of architecture and design. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, a once-neglected space has been reborn as a vibrant green oasis, enriching the lives of students and the community alike. As we continue to embrace biophilic design principles, spaces like these serve as inspiration for creating environments that harmoniously blend nature, functionality, and human experience.