THE AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRATION

This award is presented to a business for its efforts to enhance an old neighbourhood, by integrating a new, quality construction into the existing urban fabric. In 2007, the award was given to the Prével real estate development firm and architectural firm Groupe Cardinal Hardy, for the Quai de la Commune project located in the area bounded by de la Commune Ouest, des Soeurs-Grises and King streets. Completed in 2003, this residential project is a fine example of architectural integration into the existing urban fabric that dates back to the early 20th century. A quality integration project is judged by the ability of a building to integrate harmoniously into the urban environment by respecting volumes, the proportion of openings, by material harmony and overall alignment. This project includes the recycling of two buildings on des Soeurs-Grises Street, as well as three new development phases. The architects chose the maximum architectural conservation approach for the existing buildings, where shape was a major concern. The recycling of buildings and construction of the Quai de la Commune housing project set the tone for the entire Quartier des Récollets. Here is proof that it is possible to enhance existing buildings and integrate new quality constructions, while at the same time preserving the characteristics and traces of a former industrial neighbourhood.

This residential complex merits this award because of the designers’ concern for seamless integration.
http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/patrimoine/prix/speciaux07_en.htm#gmn