elise beauregard porfolio (english)

Élise Beauregard Landscape architect senior, Leed® ap

portfoLio

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i love what i do. it takes me around the world and deep into my imagination. i am a senior landscape architect whose work involves developing urban landscapes. i am the recipient of several prizes for design, and i lecture. i learned the discipline and how it is integrated with sustai-nable development. i work both alone and with a multidisciplinary team for a variety of clients and a variety of causes. When i am at my desk i am able to transport myself to the many different places that humans inhabit. i listen to the needs expressed to me. i analyze the insertion environment and allow myself time to soak up the culture of the site. i work hard to establish and confirm where its identity lies.

it is said that i am a professional whose strength is intuition… My feet are firmly on the ground, but my vision for development knows no bounds. My job is to interact with the intangibles of the space. in my work there are no walls, no ceiling. it is work of pure conception, which starts with emptiness but remains well anchored in the continuity of its context. this is why my designs embrace the entire space, and some-times even determine the overall identity of the site of a building that someone just wants to decorate with some “landscaping”. My strength is the steadfastness of my relationship with the natural and built landscape, because this represents the ultimate modern cultural expression. My guide and my raw material are the landscape itself, and everything must relate to it. it is what determines my choices.

[email protected]Élise Beauregard Landscape architect senior, Leed® ap

Élise Beauregard Landscape architect senior, Leed® ap [email protected]

i use the buildings and the different materials to sculpt the space, creating shapes and volumes. i insert them, either in harmony or in contrast, into the fascinating world of vegetation, which offers very generous possibilities in three dimensions. it is a constant struggle to incorporate these plants in a sustainable context. plants symbolize our humanity and our desire to preserve them. they grow along with us, strong and free, towards the sky and show us we must never halt our efforts to bring scorched or frozen earth back to life. plants are perhaps the link between life and our survival.

i like it when people are comfortable in the spaces, large or small, that for various reasons we design across the lively cityscape. sometimes when i return to the site of one of my interventions, i am surprised and happy to see someone sitting peacefully on a bench. sometimes they feel relaxed enough there to tilt their heads back and look up through the treetops to the sky beyond... thus from the order created out of chaos comes a small moment of calm. peace and beauty are ephemeral. But what is important is that the person is touched, that he feels better for having experienced this moment of reflection and that he continues his journey refreshed… people like me seek out these quiet moments… here are a few examples of my work.

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Table of Contents

1. Grand gestures for plazas and large public spaces; places to get away from it all

2. Drawing neighbourhoods on the landscape

3. Our daily landscape; small parks, streets and our secret corners

4. List of Awards

> 6 1.1 place Jean-talon or when a grocer has a passion for urban design

> 13 1.2 the Bell centre with its large forecourts for welcoming fans of canada’s national sport – hockey

> 19 1.3 La Grande place in the new Bois-franc neighbourhood in Montréal

> 23 1.4 the interpretation centre for the Brown Basin

> 25 1.5 intrawest and its pedestrian village > 27 1.6 the resort centre at Manoir

richelieu > 29 1.7 pointe-à-carcy

> 34 2.1 creating an elegant ‘new urbanism’ neighbourhood at Bois-franc

> 40 2.2 Quite simply Longueuil sur le parc: a neighbourhood that respects its natural context

> 43 2.3 the sensuality of the Middle east: amwaj – a new neighbourhood for rabat?

> 45 2.4 the exoticism of the orient: shenzen, Zhenye

> 47 2.5 a prestigious address: the Montréal Garden in Wuhan, china

> 49 2.6 dubai creek in dubai

> 52 3.1 hydro-Québec’s temporary plaza… like the garden in Alice in Wonderland

> 55 3.2 the sculpture garden at the Musée des Beaux-arts

> 57 3.3 the holt renfrew pocket park> 60 3.4 the roof terrace at the hilton hotel> 63 3.5 rue des forges to give it back

the elegance that it lost > 65 3.6 reinventing commercial streets

for life in the suburbs: centropolis > 67 3.7 the Laval Metro> 69 3.8 hydro-Québec’s administrative centre


[email protected]


1. Grand gestures for plazas and large public spaces; places to get away from it all

> 6 1.1 place Jean-talon or when a grocer has a passion for urban design

> 13 1.2 the Bell centre with its large forecourts for welcoming fans of canada’s national sport – hockey

> 19 1.3 La Grande place in the new Bois-franc neighbourhood in Montréal

> 23 1.4 the interpretation centre for the Brown Basin> 25 1.5 intrawest and its pedestrian village > 27 1.6 the resort centre at Manoir richelieu > 29 1.7 pointe-à-carcy

[email protected]


1. GrAnD GesTures fOr pLAzAs AnD LArGe pubLiC spACes; pLACes TO GeT AwAy frOm iT ALL

1.1 place Jean-Talon or when a grocer has a passion for urban design

2003 regional Honours award from the Canadian society of landscape architects (Csla) and 2003 National award from the institut de design de Montréal

2004 award for excellence in urban design from the institut de design de Montréal for the gare Jean-Talon, Montreal.

Typeofproject: neighbourhood public square surrounded by retailServices: site plan, Landscape concept, design development and construction supervision Location: Montreal, Quebec, canadaClient:LoblawsYear: 1997-2000

the purpose behind the construction of this plaza in its original location (through a re-inter-pretation of the guidelines for laying out clas-sical french gardens) was to connect and integrate the notion of a large commercial establishment (here, a 70,000-sq.ft. super-market) and a heritage site – this was a highly symbolic station – in an exemplary and defin-itive way, in the highly charged atmosphere of suspicion and mistrust on the part of the neigh-bourhood residents and the Montreal popula-tion in general.

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[email protected]


By restoring its prestige and its former splendour, not only did the plaza rediscover its raison d’être as a station (and vice-versa), it became the perceived principal element that immediately allowed the people, who were previously totally opposed to any intervention, to re-adopt the site and the premises.

in re-instating its original significance in the fabric of the city, the station has not only become a public infrastructure, it has acquired a new role as a neighbourhood portal, helping to develop a strong feeling of belonging and thus revitalizing a somewhat rundown area of the city.

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[email protected]


a place for all to meet, an esplanade to enhance a heritage railroad station, a focal point for a new retail complex, a platform for formal and informal neighborhood events. the challenge was to develop a sense of place, to link past and present and to integrate practicality in a strong architectural and landscape statement.

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1.2 The bell Centre with its large forecourts for welcoming fans of Canada’s national sport – hockey

fluidity and economy of circulation – vital for commuter train users. Vertical structures inspired by the architecture (materials, colours, restraint and formal elegance) surround the courtyard, directing the view upwards towards the entrance in the form of a vertical garden, which serves as a screen and parapet.

2002 regional Merit award from the Canadian society of landscape architects (Csla)

Typeofproject: public courtyard and other pedestrian spaces Services: Landscape concept, design development and construction supervision Location: Montreal, Quebec, canadaClient: the Montréal canadiens hockey clubYear: 1990-1996


1. GrAnD GesTures fOr pLAzAs AnD LArGe pubLiC spACes; pLACes TO GeT AwAy frOm iT ALL 1.2TheBeLLCenTrewiThiTSLargeforeCourTSforweLComingfanSofCanada’SnaTionaLSporT–hoCkeY



Multifunctional square, with its circulation, its garden, its quiet areas for rest and relaxation and its capacity for assembly as a locale for outdoor shows.

ingenious use of stones from the demolition among which benches and walls define the bound-aries underground vaults and pillars.

steel strips trace the path of the original train tracks.


this public site highlights the symbolic traces of its past (railway station) and its current function as a public square attached to a huge sports and amusement centre. references to historic materials are incorporated into the restrained, refined, contemporary design. they give the site a “monastic” atmosphere.

other spaces surrounding the building bring out the evocative visual elements and create new perspectives. the fluidity and openness of these areas assist pedestrian traffic.



Typeofproject: public squareServices: Landscape concept, design development and

construction supervision Location: Montreal, Quebec, canada

Client: Bombardier real estate ltd.Year: 2003

“La Grand place” is the main square of the new Bois-franc integrated residential community, situated just north of downtown Montreal. the square is where the community congregates to shop, meet and dine out. Vehicular traffic and parking are kept out of sight on the periphery.


1.3 La Grande place in the new bois-franc neighborhood in montreal


1. GrAnD GesTures fOr pLAzAs AnD LArGe pubLiC spACes; pLACes TO GeT AwAy frOm iT ALL1.3LagrandepLaCeinThenewBoiS-franCneighBorhoodinmonTreaL

the layout of the square is of classical european inspiration; however it maintains a very contemporary presence that adds a youthful and play-ful tone to the general atmosphere. this is exemplified by a fountain in the form of a very pure oval, an attractive pattern of terra cotta brick and granite, as well as low seating walls that curve their way around the centrepiece fountain.


1. GrAnD GesTures fOr pLAzAs AnD LArGe pubLiC spACes; pLACes TO GeT AwAy frOm iT ALL1.3LagrandepLaCeinThenewBoiS-franCneighBorhoodinmonTreaL


Élise Beauregard was the designer for the over-all concept for the development of the architec-tural design and the walkway, as well as for all the landscaping. the highlight of the develop-ment concept is the long promenade, leading to a walkway that projects out over the river. Visitors will feel as if they were walking on water! the main axis is punctuated by a series of sights. pedestrians climb a gently inclined slope lead-ing to a panoramic terrace that houses an inter-pretation centre. the building has been blended into the profile of the ground, and covered by a green roof that maximizes access to the walkway and to views over the river.

the design favoured natural approaches. native grass seeds were planted to restore the wild appearance of the river embankment. the embankment of the Brown Basin was restored so that canoes and kayaks could land more easily. stacks of natural rocks around the struc-tures were used rather than concrete. in addi-tion, the site is very pedestrian-friendly, and also features a circular bicycle path connecting the interpretation centre to the existing path along champlain Boulevard. the interpretation centre is also planned as a green building with excep-tional environmental and energy performances.

projectType: LandscapingServices: Urban and design landscape Master plan , landscape design, project management, construction plans, site supervision Location: Quebec city, Quebec, canadaClient: port of QuébecYear: 2006-2007


1.4 The interpretation Centre for the brown basin


1. GrAnD GesTures fOr pLAzAs AnD LArGe pubLiC spACes; pLACes TO GeT AwAy frOm iT ALL1.4TheinTerpreTaTionCenTreforTheBrownBaSin


Typeofproject:resortServices:development, Land Use Master plan, Urban design and Landscape designLocation:Mont-tremblant, Quebec, canadaClient:intrawestYear:1991 - ongoing


1.5 intrawest and its pedestrian village


since intrawest purchased the Mont-tremblant station in 1991, constant development has occurred such that today it compares favourably with other resorts of international calibre such as Whistler, Blackcomb, Vail and aspen. elise Beauregard has worked closely with intrawest on the implementation of this project . she has designed the main plaza and the very popular main pedestrian commercial street .

1. GrAnD GesTures fOr pLAzAs AnD LArGe pubLiC spACes; pLACes TO GeT AwAy frOm iT ALL1.5inTraweSTandiTSpedeSTrianviLLage



1.6 The resort Centre at manoir richelieu

Typeofproject:complete redevelopment of existing resort grounds Services:Landscape concept, design developmentandconstructionsupervisionLocation:La Malbaie, Quebec, canadaClient:société casiloc and canadian pacific hotels Year:1999-2002


this well-known five-star resort was initially built in the 1920’s. in the late 1990’s, casiloc (Loto-Quebec) and canadian pacific hotels (now fairmont hotels) acquired the property and engaged in a major redevelopment, upgrading the hotel and neighbouring casino. all the grounds overlooking the st. Lawrence river were also redesigned to meet the new stan-dards. the sloping terrain was enhanced to take advantage of spectacular views over the river and create a variety of exterior spaces suit-able for outdoor sports activities, social events, relaxation and socializing.

the vocation of this site is now a casino with huge numbers of people visiting for a few hours at a time. Élise Beauregard was in charge of a team of designers to incorporate new roads, parking and buildings into this historic con-text. new gardens, areas for rest and relaxation, event venues and kilometres of new footpaths needed to be created through and on this huge property, located alongside the golf course.

her vision for the concept was for the majes-tic, wild landscape of this region to enfold this new $200 million dollar complex as if it were part of the mountain itself. the vegetation, the topography, the drainage were all extensively examined so that the new building and other infrastructures would blend in amongst the century-old mature trees on the site with the least possible impact.

1. GrAnD GesTures fOr pLAzAs AnD LArGe pubLiC spACes; pLACes TO GeT AwAy frOm iT ALL1.6ThereSorTCenTreaTmanoirriCheLieu


ticket office

amphitheatre customs house

protected walkway for cruise passengers

Étude d’intégration des bâtiments

The master plan


1.7 pointe-à-Carcy

Typeofproject:heritage site restoration, Urban park and amphitheatreServices:Urban and design landscape Master plan , landscape design, project management, construction plans, site supervision. Client:port de Québec Location:Quebec city, canada Year:2007 & 2008

the design created by Élise Beauregard is based on a concentric struc-ture, making the site cohesive. this circular movement becomes the mechanism that reintegrates the amphitheatre through the creation of raised bands of vegetation all around it, providing lookout points for views over the river.

from the opposite bank, these “dunes” recall the riverside landscapes and provide a foundation for the heritage customs house in the back-ground. the approach Ms. Beauregard chose was to lead a project with a multidisciplinary team (architects, engineers, stage designers, etc.), which illustrates the strength of the profession, because their vision was without spatial boundaries.


1. GrAnD GesTures fOr pLAzAs AnD LArGe pubLiC spACes; pLACes TO GeT AwAy frOm iT ALL1.7poinTe-à-CarCY

from the perspective of integrating the installations into the landscape, Élise Beauregard led her team of landscape archi-tects in carrying out a volumetric study of the new buildings before the teams of architects finalized their drawings. all the designs for the ticket office, protected walkway for cruise passengers, buildings with backstage and public restrooms and the agora itself, were dictated by the landscaping concept. the mounds placed on the site rise dramatically from a low point up to the new buildings, which then take the eye even higher.


1845

panoramic views circular movement paving pattern the dunes

1860 customs house and its basin

1896 1920 1984 2006

for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec city, the federal Government wished to redevelop the site at pointe-à-carcy for the citizens. pointe-à-carcy, in the old port, is a monument site that symbolizes the history of the port and the river a link between the water and human activ-ity and one of Quebec’s historic ports of entry.

History

Development



2. Drawing neighbourhoods on the landscape

> 34 2.1 creating an elegant ‘new urbanism’ neighbourhood at Bois-franc

> 40 2.2 Quite simply Longueuil sur le parc: a neighbourhood that respects its natural context

> 43 2.3 the sensuality of the Middle east: amwaj – a new neighbourhood for rabat?

> 45 2.4 the exoticism of the orient: shenzen, Zhenye > 47 2.5 a prestigious address: the Montréal Garden

in Wuhan, china> 49 2.6 dubai creek in dubai

[email protected]



2. DrAwinG neiGHbOurHOODs On THe LAnDsCApe

2.1 Creating an elegant ‘new urbanism’ neighbourhood at bois-franc

Typeofproject:integrated residential community and mixed-use urban development project: 8,000 housing units,

120,000 m2 of retail/office, 35 ha of open spaceServices:Master plan, design Guidelines, Landscape design,

development strategy. construction drawings and site supervision Location:Montreal, Quebec, canada

Client:Bombardier real estate Ltd.Year:1993 - ongoing

Master-plan 1998

Master-plan 2009

Master-plan 1993


2. DrAwinG neiGHbOurHOODs On THe LAnDsCApe 2.1CreaTinganeLeganT‘newurBaniSm’neighBourhoodaTBoiS-franC

2000 First Prize of the Ordre des urbanistes du Québec for the Project Master Plan

Élise Beauregard helped develop the Master plan and also the identity signature for the project. she was the main landscape development con-sultant for this huge project with 8,000 housing units.

she was the chief designer for developing the concept and layout of the streets, parks, lakes, squares and other public and private spaces within the community. the careful integration of urbanism with the landscaping sets Bois-franc apart, giving it a human dimension, a strong personal-ity and a distinct design.

an ingenious combination of the placement of buildings on a “zero lot line”, streets as narrow as possible to contrast with the wide open bodies of water, large areas of parkland and highly sophisticated urban squares, helps to define the unique identity image of this large-scale project.



thanks to a balanced integration of architecture, urban design and land-scape architecture, the Bois-franc residential community stands out for its comfortable scale, strong identity and distinctive layout. the new residential neighbourhood is a “new town in town” influenced by the val-ues of new Urbanism. the site originally served as an industrial airport. the project is today a huge success in terms of real estate in Montreal.



an imaginative combination of water features, plants and site grading allows residents of the Bois-franc housing project to enjoy recreation, relaxation and other leisure activities in a reconstituted natural setting.

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Master development plan central park landscape plan

project Designa residential development perfectly integrated into the existing woodland pattern, designed and guided by the landscape architects

site and existing resources analysis

2010awardforexcellenceforplanningalow-densitycommunityof2000unitsintegratedinanaturalenvironment

Élise Beauregard was the chief designer for this urban development and landscape architecture project. her vision for the concept was to blend the development into the existing, very beautiful, uncultivated landscape and not to destroy it by imposing merely an architectural project.

Typeofproject:integrated residential community: 2,000 unitsServices:Urban design and landscape Master plan, design Guidelines, Landscape design, development strategy, construction drawings and site supervision Location:Longueuil, Quebec, canadaClient:tMsaYear:2002 - ongoing


2.2 Quite simply Longueuil sur le parc: a neighbourhood that respects its natural context

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2. DrAwinG neiGHbOurHOODs On THe LAnDsCApe 2.2QuiTeSimpLYLongueuiLSurLeparC:aneighBourhoodThaTreSpeCTSiTSnaTuraLConTexT

A residential development perfectly integrated into the existing woodland pattern. An in-depth, on-going involvement in a remarkable neighbourhood in a natural, preserved setting.

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2. DrAwinG neiGHbOurHOODs On THe LAnDsCApe 2.2QuiTeSimpLYLongueuiLSurLeparC:aneighBourhoodThaTreSpeCTSiTSnaTuraLConTexT

Longueuil-sur-le-parc represents the perfect harmony between nature and urban living. this resi-dential development offers a mix of country-style homes and was designed to ensure maximum preservation of the natural milieu. Walking trails, a public plaza, bike paths, all interconnected, as well as a central park that crosses the site from one side to the other, offer residents a natural, functional and friendly living environment.

project’s Details



2.3 The sensuality of the middle east: Amwaj – a new neighbourhood for rabat?

Élise Beauregard acted as the director for the landscape architecture Master plan and its design development for a new pedestrian town in rabat, Morocco. the firm sama dubaï is based in dubai.

Client:sama dubaiServices:Landscape master-plan , design development

& preliminary construction plans Location:rabat, Morocco

execution:design phase 2007-2009 construction phase: the completion of the project

is pending as of January 2009.


2. DrAwinG neiGHbOurHOODs On THe LAnDsCApe 2.3TheSenSuaLiTYofThemiddLeeaST:amwaj–anewneighBourhoodforraBaT?

this 100-hectare site is located in the Valley of the Bouregreg river in rabat, capital of Morocco. the amwaj project is the second phase in a gigantic six-phase development pro-ject, with a cost estimated at 3 billion dollars. amwaj will have all the infrastructures to make it an outstanding international model city, giving the capital and her twin sister salé a new face. on the site there will be mixed-use develop-ment with boutiques, restaurants, hotels, green spaces and over 15,000 housing units.

the challenge consisted of reinterpreting the art of Musulmans gardens for the development of each street, each front and rear façade, the private and public yards, patios, look-offs, out-door and indoor parking areas, the constructed or natural embankments, the design of the urban street furniture, the roof terraces, the fountains of all sizes, public plazas – in short, all the installations in the spaces around the build-ings. the aim was to breathe new life into this mega-project along with all the sensuality of the colours, shapes and aromas of the ancient towns of the near east.



2.4 The exoticism of the Orient: shenzen, zhenye

creating a deep and memorable sense of place is key to this project. the concept establishes a unique urban ecology with a hierarchy of public spaces. at the same time, it diversifies urban experiences, and improves the connectivity between spaces.

the project responds to market demand while maintaining a responsible attitude towards environmental conservation and the preserva-tion of local cultural assets.

evoking a memorable, profound sense of place, establishing a hierarchy of public spaces, restoring and even establishing a unique urban ecology, while diversifying the types of urban experiences and improving the connectivity of the spaces.

a combined “vision” uniting east and West, offering a dialogue between contemporary and traditional types of gardens.Typeofproject:Mixed-use development for

Urban residential community: 10,000 units Services:Master plan – design of green and blue landscape features, landscape master-plan, design development , construction plans and site supervision Location:shenzhen, chinaClient:ZhenyeYear:2004-2005



2.5 A prestigious address: The montréal Garden in wuhan, China

the mandate consisted of providing this vast housing complex with an overall landscaping vision. these residential and commercial build-ings are enormous, and offer spaces with very diverse atmospheres and styles, at different lev-els and for different functions.

the landscaping proposal presents a wide var-iety of plazas and sub-spaces, in which one space becomes the observation point for the next. the work involved the creation of a ser-ies of natural microcosms, visually enriched by the clever plays of multiple viewpoints over the landscapes, both within and beyond the site.

Typeofproject:Landscape architecture for the public plaza, roof terraces, community and private spaces in this large residential complex, Wuhan, china Services:preparation for an international competition, concept and design development Client:Wuhan Mingyuan investing inc.


2. DrAwinG neiGHbOurHOODs On THe LAnDsCApe 2.5apreSTigiouSaddreSS:ThemonTréaLgardeninwuhan,China

the final result is that the architecture and the landscape architecture are closely linked. in fact, the incorporation of a sustainable landscape into the architecture forms an ensemble that becomes part of the urban landscape.



2.6 Dubai Creek in Dubai

Client:sama dubaiServices:preparation for an international competition, landscape master-plan, design development & preliminary construction plans. Location:dubai, United arab emiratesYear:2008


2. DrAwinG neiGHbOurHOODs On THe LAnDsCApe 2.6duBaiCreekinduBai

Élise Beauregard was in charge of the design and development of the landscaping concept for Zone 3 – Bani Yas and Bandar taleb – and a site where the creek meets the ocean, the original site of dubai. this is a three-phase construction project for a new multi-use neighbourhood with new commercial spaces, offices, business areas and promenades along the banks of the creek, as well as the construction of 10,000 new housing units. the main goal of this prestigious project is to rejuvenate this area of historical importance to become the “soul of dubai”.

Élise Beauregard and her team won the international competition launched by sama dubai for the Leasing office called dUBai creeK. this was an extremely prestigious project, as it was situated around the home where the current ruler of dubai, sheikh Mohammed bin rashid al Maktoum, was born.

the landscape vision was to position the building at the foot of the creek to symbolize the essence of the place. the landscaping features a creek surrounded by gardens and courtyards where people meet and experi-ence the beauty and richness of the local culture. this concept evokes a strong image of the “soul of dubai”. it presents visitors with a glimpse of the overall project, the only urban area that embraces the past, the present and the future of dubai.

in short, to reflect the historical context in the Landscape design concept, we tried to capture the spirit of the site and promote the huge potential of living in a development by the creek. the Landscape design creates a location that lures visitors to the site. once inside, they dis-cover a place that celebrates traditional architecture in a creative and contemporary way.


3. Our daily landscape; small parks, streets and our secret corners

> 52 3.1 hydro-Québec’s temporary plaza… like the garden in Alice in Wonderland

> 55 3.2 the sculpture garden at the Musée des Beaux-arts > 57 3.3 the holt renfrew pocket park> 60 3.4 the roof terrace at the hilton hotel> 63 3.5 rue des forges to give it back the elegance

that it lost > 65 3.6 reinventing commercial streets for life

in the suburbs: centropolis > 67 3.7 the Laval Metro> 69 3.8 hydro-Québec’s administrative centre

[email protected]


[email protected]


3. Our DAiLy LAnDsCApe; smALL pArks, sTreeTs AnD Our seCreT COrners

3.1 Hydro-Québec’s temporary plaza… like the garden in Alice in wonderland

Typeofproject:small urban parkServices:Landscape concept, design development and construction supervision Location:Montreal, Quebec, canadaClient:hydro-QuébecYear:1998

“Powerful! Electrifying! This project is cleanly detailed and illustrates an excellent solution which may redefine the word ‘temporary’. ”

2001 regional Merit award from the Canadian society of landscape architects (Csla)

the project appears and functions as a pure game where nothing is permanent, as it is only meant to remain for ten years, until hydro-Québec corporation sells the lot for future construction. Just like a game, the stage is set for the start of a game, the opening of a show. Just like a game, once over, everything that was used in the game is put back in order, where it was initially. Just like a game, its purpose is to have fun and is all about an ephemeral experience.

ian corne president of the 2001 regional Merit awards of the canadian society of Landscape architects

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3. Our DAiLy LAnDsCApe; smALL pArks, sTreeTs AnD Our seCreT COrners 3.1hYdro-QuéBeC’STemporarYpLaza…LikeThegardeninaLiCeinwonderLand

Companie turn lots into park extract from the Gazette, october 11, 1997 Written by david theodore, researcher in architectural history.

“… downtown Montreal is a disaster of vacant lots. But one new project has taken advantage of the stagnant commer-cial real-estate market to create engaging urban parks. hydro-Quebec has funded a cultural performance space, place hydro-Quebec, on ste. catherine st. between st. Urbain ans clark sts.

the district surrounding place hydro-Quebec is also waiting for development. including both place des arts and complexe

desjardins to the west, and the sex shops and taverns of st. Laurent Blvd. to the east, the area comes to life as a cultural centre during the round of summer festivals.

the new square is a valuable outdoor addi-tion to neighbouring performance spaces. the project is a co-operative effort between a private corporation and the city. Montreal first asked hydro-Quebec to provide tem-porary green space along ste. catherine as well as a park bordering st. Urbain st., when the company demolished an office building on st. Urbain to make way for the expansion of the theatre du nouveau Monde. after considering some preliminary propos-als, landscape architect elise Beauregard negotiated a change to a larger site on ste. catherine st.the change provided a chance to do something more ambitious than just a small park. The new program called for a multipurpose performance space for cul-tural groups.

…elise Beauregard divided the plan of the site into three sections. ten sex-foot high blue planters containing maple trees sit on a checkerboard pattern of red and green pow-dered stone in the eastern portion. a large central red zone in the middle is left open for booths, stages and tents. on the western edge nine 12-foot high light poles and six benches mark a third zone next to the theatre du nouveau Monde. the lighting poles have built-in electrical outlet and hooks for hang-ing displays…”

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“The space is as adaptable as possible”, elise Beauregard said. Groups will be able to set up tempor-ary structures anywhere on the site, transforming it in their own image. only a discreet sign and the bright blue of the planters and poles identify hydro-Quebec. But even they can be easily removed

it had to allow for security and crowd control, be flexible and adaptable, project an appropriate image of hydro-Quebec when not in use, resist vandalism and vagrancy, and also – the bottom line – be cheap to build and maintain. the site is a small section of a parking lot that stretches from ste. catherine to the hydro-Quebec building on rene-Levesque Blvd. the site is enclosed with a double layer of standard 12-foot heights of chain-link fence. the panels are playfully tilted and arranged, acting as a trellis for climbing plants. When the plants grow up, the enclosure should form a “low-maintenance geometric hedge”. this fence blocks off the parking lot to the south and clark st. to the east, making it easy to con-trol and separate crowds and performers during special events. the planters are too high to be easily used as ad-hoc garbage cans or benches. When no special events are happening, the space is designed to resist vandal-ism and discourage loitering. The powdered schist and clay used for the colourful surface are firm enough to support tent pegs, but too soft for rollerblading and skateboarding.

in short, the project is meant for active participation, not as a casual lunchtime hangout. the bright colours and rough materials make sense when crowds gather for special events. fortunately, hydro-Quebec is already programming a wide variety of activities. (the new space is available free by reservation to cultural groups.) hydro-Quebec has to be careful: if the project is too popular, the corporation will have trouble building on the site in the future.

3. Our DAiLy LAnDsCApe; smALL pArks, sTreeTs AnD Our seCreT COrners 3.1hYdro-QuéBeC’STemporarYpLaza…LikeThegardeninaLiCeinwonderLand



3.2 The sculpture garden at the musée des beaux-Arts

Typeofproject:outdoor rest and exhibition areaServices:Landscape concept, design development, construction plans and construction supervision Location:Montreal, Quebec, canadaClient:Montreal Museum of fine artsYear:2003


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Élise Beauregard was asked to design a small sculpture garden adjacent to the downtown Musée des Beaux-arts de Montréal. the garden is designed as a place to rest and an exterior extension of the museum. sculptures are used to create an attraction and a vibrant signal of the museum’s presence. the project uses raw materials such as polished concrete, stone and aluminium, in combination with plant material to create a distinctive space.



3.3 The Holt renfrew pocket park

holt renfrew is one of the most luxurious stores in Montréal. here you’ll find haute couture boutiques such as chanel, hermès and Vuitton. the store is on sherbrooke street at the corner of de la Montagne, right in the heart of downtown.

in 2004, our client wished to build an extension onto his store for the medium term. he wanted to take advantage of a unique opportunity by purchasing a dilapidated property abutting the rear façade of his store, with a plan to demolish it and eventu-ally build his extension. once the building was demolished, the vacant lot turned out to be a narrow, deep rectangle.

Typeofproject:design of a temporary space in downtown Montreal Services:concept, design development, con-struction drawings and site supervision Location:Montreal, Quebec, canadaClient:holt renfrewYear:2006


3. Our DAiLy LAnDsCApe; smALL pArks, sTreeTs AnD Our seCreT COrners 3.3ThehoLTrenfrewpoCkeTpark

My job thus entailed working with diagonal lines on the ground and judiciously placed screens of vegetation. the strong diagonal lines were inset with bands of lawn and red stone dust, creating areas for resting and relaxation. Vegetation was chosen to cover the blank wall of the adjoining building and trees were planted along the edge of the lane, thus creating visual screens on the south side and at the bottom of the park.

Viewed from the street, the perspective of the screen of trees planted at the bottom of the park combined with the diagonal lines of the parterre garden give the illusion that the lot is shorter and wider than it really is.

the choice of unobtrusive furniture and a few bol-lards gave a sense of comfort and security to this small space, which today is heavily used at all times of the day.

By the way, the park is still there….

it was located on a back lane near the entrance to an underground parking garage and close to storage areas for garbage bins belonging to the restaurants that abound in this very busy part of town.

Until such time as his project could be built, our client wanted to install a small pocket park, for the benefit of his clientele and for neighbour-hood residents.

the client thus called on my services. as this space was to be temporary, the budget assigned to it by the client was extremely small – $100,000 can. the challenge was to construct a park that would make one for-get the narrowness of the lot while at the same time creating somewhat of a buffer zone between the back yards on the lane and the main entrance on the rear façade. this park also had to make a significant contribution to holt renfrew’s elegant signature.


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3.4 The roof terrace at the Hilton Hotel

the Montreal hilton’s Japanese-inspired rooftop garden provides a unique visual and sensory experience to guests walking around the hotel’s public areas or looking out from the privacy of their rooms. this existing garden has been upgraded along the same lines as the original garden created by sasaki in 1967.

the shared theme respects the philosophy of the tea garden, offering the traveller a peaceful spot in which to restore his soul, with soothing water and elegant gardens close by.

Typeofproject:Landscape renovationServices:Landscape concept, design development, construction drawings and construction supervision Location:Montreal, Quebec, canadaClient:hilton hotelYear:1996

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3.5 rue Des forges to give it back the elegance that it lost

this commercial artery plays a very significant role in the revitalization of the downtown area of trois-rivières, since it leads to the riverside walkway that was built in the port area and thus constitutes a major point of entry into the city.

projectType:Urban revitalizationServices:Master plan, landscaping concept, construction drawings, site supervision and project management Location:trois-rivières, Quebec, canadaClient:city of trois-rivièresYear:2003


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the city of trois-rivières wished to ensure that this area would be user friendly, while requiring the use of sustainable materials that blended in with the surrounding architecture and required a minimum of maintenance. accordingly, we developed custom lampposts and urban furniture, including Morris columns and planters that contribute to the unique urban charm of this public space. special care has been taken to create pavement patterns that distinguish sidewalks from the terrace spaces.



3.6 reinventing commercial streets for life in the suburbs: Centropolis

Typeofproject:commercial developmentServices:Master plan of landscape design , design development, construction drawings and site supervision. Location:Laval, Quebec, canadaClient:ivanhoe cambridge / caisse de dépôt Year:2002 - ongoing


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centropolis is a suburban lifestyle shopping complex with an urban character, very different from other large regional shopping centres, thanks above all to the use made of public plazas and parks. Élise Beauregard directed the team of urban designers and landscape architects to develop the master plan for the urban and landscape architecture, the design guidelines for signage and all the design development for the public and private place for this complex. the assignment also included detailed site plans, phasing and costing, and the landscape design of streetscapes and parking areas, the areas around buildings, sidewalks and walkways, plazas and parks.



3.7 The Laval metro

Typeofproject: design of outdoor spaces at multi-modal stations in LavalServices: concept, design development, construction drawingsand site supervision Location:Laval, Quebec, canadaClient: agence métropolitaine de transport (aMt)Year:2006-2007


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the landscape architecture around the stations draws in the many and various users – train and bus passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. the landscape expressed is reinforced by the impressions found on the ground and in the planting areas.

a sinuous ribbon embedded in the ground itself and which opens out once inside the station symbolizes the movement of the users.

the planting beds along the approaches, stairs and around the gathering areas follow the rhythm of the winds and change with the seasons.

the view from the street is one of a vibrant land-scape that is reflected onto the façade during the day, and one that shines from within once night falls.



3.8 Hydro-Québec’s administrative centre

awardforexcellenceinLandscapearchitecturefromtheCanadianSocietyofLandscapearchitects(CSLa),forthedesignandinstallationofthehydro-QuébecadministrativeCentreinvilleSaintLaurent

the building’s landscaping symbolically expresses the resource used by hydro-Québec, a public hydroelectric utility provider. Water becomes the guiding theme for the concept. the design integrates site grading and plant sculpture, the innovative use of materials and modern colours, as well as a work of art by art-ist francine Larrivée. Élise Beauregard worked the soil so that it would undulate like the waves on the great hydro-electric basins of Quebec’s Great north.

Typeofproject:Landscaping for an office complexServices:Landscape concept, design development, construction drawings and construction supervision Location:Montréal, Quebec, canadaClient:hydro-QuébecYear:1996


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4. List of Awards

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2003 award for excellence in Landscape architecture from the canadian society of Landscape architects (csLa) for the place de la Gare Jean-talon project in Montreal; 2003 regional honours award from the canadian society of Landscape architects (csLa)

2004 award for excellence in Urban design from the institut de design de Montréal (idM) for the Gare Jean-talon, Montreal

2002 award for excellence in landscape architecture from the canadian society of Landscape architects (csLa) for the Molson centre project – design of exterior courtyards, Montreal

2000 first prize from the ordre des Urbanistes du Québec for the project’s Master plan of Bois-franc, Montreal, Quebec, canada


2001 award for excellence, regional Merit from the canadian society of

Landscape architects (csLa) for the design and installation of the place

hydro-Québec in Montreal

2010 award for excellence in Landscape architecture from the canadian society of

Landscape architects (csLa ) for planning a low-density community

of 2000 units integrated in a natural environment for ”Longueil-sur-le-parc” site

near Montreal, canada

2002 award for excellence in Landscape architecture from the canadian

society of Landscape architects (csLa), for the design and installation of the

hydro-Québec administrative centre in Ville saint Laurent

elise beauregard porfolio (english)

Documents