The project began as a formal exploration of fluid spatial interactions where pieces of a generic plastic model were composed to create space where conventional rigid boundaries dissolve and new spatial relationships are flexibly implied. The
“God view” drawing is an infinite space-time perception of the model, presenting a moment of harmonious engagement within limitless temporal and spatial possibilities These studies were then used to inform the architecture of a landmark building for the Quartier des Spectacles in Montreal at the corner of St. Laurent and Ste. Catherine.
Site Analysis:
Despite its conceptual importance, the corner of St. Laurent and Ste. Catherine currently lacks any indication of its historical and cultural significance. Recognizing the site’s potential,however, the Quartier des Spectacles has earmarked the corner as the location of a new landmark building that will serve as a gateway to the district and as a point “where innovation takes place: a creative node.” In order for the building’s architecture is to make an impact on the city’s public life, its dialogue with the street must be sufficiently engaging to attract the public: it must act as a machine for distraction.
Architecture:
Integrating the idea of the ‘machine of distraction’ with the laminar space language, the building form was generated by dividing the program elements into discreet units and re-composing them along their respective “flow” trajectories. Where the two flows interface the units lose integrity releasing their sub-elements float into the boundary region. A hybrid zone of
interaction is created where the rigidity of spacial confinement is released - planes, rather than containing space, are instead contained within it.
2008
