In Between Urbanism in Montréal: Encounters Between Communities Across a Transport Corridor
Abstract
This thesis aims to develop an architectural zone for contact between two boroughs in
Montreal: Mont-Royal and Rosemont-la-Petite-Patrie; these boroughs are divided by the
Canadian Pacific Railway as well as the Van Horne viaduct.
Empty lots along the the fringe of the railway are used by the artistic population, which has
appropriated the industrial buildings and empty lots that border the rail line. Citizens also
use informal passways to cross the railway and viaduct. The proposal of this thesis is to
develop an urban space that will improve social cohesion and encourage unfettered access,
by setting up safe crossings and encouraging the spread of arts and culture without
changing the character of the site.
The focus of this project is to support and develop, through architectural design, the social
interaction that people create. It also aims to create an architecture of resistance to preserve
the informal residual parks that border the railway.