30/30 Museum & Park: Engaging Artifacts

Abstract

This project is located in the St. Henri neighborhood along the Lachine Canal in Montreal, Quebec. Industrial artifacts along the canal are culturally and historically significant to the people of Montreal. These artifacts are currently disconnected from public access – residents and tourists should be able to fully engage with them. The abandoned malting plant site has the potential to become an engaging destination that visitors want to explore. The proposal honors and reimagines the site’s industrial infrastructure and introduces valuable public amenities to the Lachine Canal. The 30/30 concept refers to the juxtaposition of the existing thirty silos and proposed thirty mounds. Generated from the volumetric capacity of the silos and natural form of grain, the mounds support vegetation to restore the sites pre-industrial presence of nature. Museum functions and public spaces are integrated into both the silos and mounds, resulting in an activity-driven experience for visitors that is centered on exploration and discovery. The proposal has the potential to host events, exhibitions, and outdoor activities year-round. By allowing guests to "trespass" through urban artifacts, they are invited to discover the mysterious atmosphere and cultural significance of the former factory and the site’s new public amenities.