An urban park for the new National Bank headquarters
The project involves creating a new urban park, developing two rooftop terraces, and landscaping the area along the façade of the National Bank’s new head office in downtown Montreal.
The Parc Michel-Bélanger is located between National Bank’s new head office and the building at 700 Saint-Jacques Street. With its rectangular shape, symmetrical layout of cross-shaped paths, and large trees defining lawn beds while offering an enjoyable mix of shade and light, it is in keeping with Montreal’s Victorian squares. The convergence of the park’s pedestrian paths defines a central area consisting of a group of small circular platforms made of natural stone, of varying heights and sizes, punctuated by a grove of trees. These elements will provide opportunities for employees and residents of the two adjacent buildings to sit, relax, gather, and meet. Thirty-five new trees – native species resistant to urban conditions – and generous volumes of soil will allow for the development of healthy, tall leafy canopies that filter the light needed for the grassy areas. In ten years, it is estimated that vegetation will cover approximately 60% of the park’s surface area.
The Robert-Bourassa space forms an irregular strip between the new 40-storey building and the boulevard, shaped by a design of points and diagonals. Contributing to the welcoming feel of the new building’s surroundings, its landscape, which combines columnar conifers on shrub beds and granite paving stones, has a magical quality.
Two large terraces have also been created on the floors of the National Bank tower. The one on the 5th floor incorporates the outdoor terrace of a cafeteria and a daycare playground. They are separated by a garden of sticks that act as a visual filter. The cafeteria area is punctuated by a series of planters, creating intimate sub-spaces, some of which are slightly raised. The 40th-floor terrace, located at the top of the tower, offers a panoramic view of the city. The space, reserved for special events for National Bank employees, is characterized by thoughtful materials. Planting beds will accommodate medium-sized trees, such as pines and maples, and selected plants are those which can adapt to the more challenging climatic conditions at this height.
