Evolo X Sculpture Garden

On the banks of the St Lawrence River, where the Samuel De Champlain bridge meets Nuns’ Island, this residential development occupies one of the last parcels of buildable land. We were invited to design a communal space between a tower of luxury apartments and a series of townhouses, on top of a parking garage, to create a plaza for Evolo X that offers a more majestic entry moment and improves connections across the site.

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The proximity to the river means that the site experiences bracing winds, particularly in the winter. So our strategy involved adding berms with tall plants and plenty of trees to form a barrier that protects against these icy gusts. Elevating the berms allowed space for roots to grow on the concrete parking garage roof, and we carefully selected species from the region’s coastal headlands and meadows—from grasses to Laurentian evergreens. Their blooms, textures and colors provide sensorial richness year-round.

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Shaped to evoke ripples of water, the two larger berms form a main pathway that meanders through the center of the site, from corner to corner. Gray paving squares in two tones are laid to create a gradient from dark to light as they move away from the building, giving the impression of dappled shade, while curvilinear benches follow the organic shapes of the planted areas.

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In collaboration with celebrated local artist Linda Covit, a procession of umbrella-like canopies was installed above circular seats to provide spots to rest in the shade. The tops of the canopies are perforated, echoing the dappled nature of the grasses planted along the edges of the berms to soften their lines, and casting dynamic shadows across the forecourt.

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The overall goal was to loosen up a rigid architectural landscape, tempering the rectilinear shapes of the development with a space that feels more welcoming, natural, and slow-paced—providing an uplifting place to stroll and a moment to pause in the busy city that’s reminiscent of the native landscape.

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Team:

Sophie Robitaille  Partner, CSLA,  ASLA, AAPQ

Andrew Curtis  Partner, MRAIC, AIA, OAQ, LEED BD+C

Anne Charbit  Architect, OAQ

Jean Berthet

Samuel Lavoie

TeTeressa Peill  Landscape Architect, CSLA, AAPQ

Sandra Chlebovska

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Client: Proment

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Photography © Nanne Springer