Outdoor Scenography Consultant – Esplanade Clark
Esplanade Clark is part of the network of public spaces surrounding Place des Arts and represents the final phase of a major redevelopment project in this key area of Montréal’s Quartier des spectacles. Closely connected to the urban context of the Saint-Laurent/Sainte-Catherine intersection, this new public space required a programming and design approach tailored to the site’s unique characteristics, while integrating functions capable of generating activity and bringing the space to life.
The vision was to create a public space that Montrealers could enjoy every day—a place to relax, take a break, read, connect online, meet with friends and family, socialize, have fun, or enjoy a meal. This welcoming atmosphere was also envisioned for the winter season, with the skating rink becoming a central attraction. The space’s distinctive “backyard” character was intended to inspire festival and event organizers to develop programming that would further enhance its inviting and convivial atmosphere.
The design of Esplanade Clark includes several multifunctional areas:
- A space fronting Sainte-Catherine Street that serves as the main entrance to the public plaza and can be partially configured as a restaurant terrace;
- A large multipurpose area that functions as an expansive urban terrace in summer, featuring food kiosks and inviting street furniture while accommodating a variety of events and activities, and transforming into a refrigerated skating rink in winter;
- A lawn area designed to accommodate mobile stages, marquees, and tents for events. When not programmed, the lawn remains an open space for relaxation and spontaneous activities.
Within this context, Creos was commissioned to develop design principles for the integration of technical, technological, and control systems for Esplanade Clark and Sainte-Catherine Street.
Key Project Components
- Durable design principles: Development of design principles for robust, weather-resistant technical and technological infrastructure suitable for year-round outdoor use.
- Procurement and implementation: Management of procurement processes, including calls for tenders, and supervision of implementation work.
- Documentation and training: Preparation of operational manuals and training of the teams responsible for operating the site.
- Technical space planning: Assistance with the design of spaces dedicated to technical and technological infrastructure.
- Equipment integration: Advisory services for the supply and installation of technical and technological equipment in accordance with established standards.
Clients
Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles (PQDS)
City of Montréal
Participants
Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles:
Simon B. Robert, Michel Gamache, Pierre Lapointe, Pascale Daigle, Jonathan Guimond
City of Montréal:
Serge Thibault, Catherine Bernard-M., Costas Labos, Pierre Lévesque
Key Professional Partners:
Mélanie Pitre (Ædifica – Animatrice PCI), Pierre Joly et Éric Gauthier (FABG), Jean-Marie Aubé (WSP), Martin Roy (Martin Roy & Associés)
Location
Esplanade Clark – Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
2016-17
