Réseau Express Métropolitain Stations Quebec, Montreal transport hub building development, Canadian architecture photos
Réseau Express Métropolitain Stations, Montreal
Dec 4, 2023
Architects: Lemay | Bisson Fortin | Perkins&Will
Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada
Photos by Adrien Williams
Réseau Express Métropolitain Stations, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Accelerating Sustainable Infrastructure Through Design: Montreal’s New Light Metro System, the Réseau Express Métropolitain
The consortium of Lemay, Bisson Fortin, and Perkins&Will collectively introduce their design of 4 stations of the inaugural Rive-Sud line of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), a project that is transforming the Montreal cityscape. With a scale not seen since the city’s first Metro line began operations in 1966, the REM will be one of the longest automated light metro systems in the world once fully completed, doubling Montreal’s world-class network by 67 kilometers.
One look at the consortium’s design of 4 of the 5 REM stations, spanning over 15km, provides a glimpse of the entire 26-station REM system to come: Its versatile, modular design offers a prescient look as its now-established stations represent an agile activation of Montreal’s future in sustainable public transportation, while providing a new gateway to exploring the city.
“What’s exciting about the REM stations’ unique designs lies in how they enable a city to efficiently generate sustainable urban infrastructure,” says Alexis Légaré, architect and design leader at Lemay. “Furthermore, the enthusiastic and engaged reception from the communities they serve holds promise for a more viable, purposeful, and resilient future in public transportation in Montreal.”
What was once envisioned by the consortium years prior is now a living experience of surprise and delight. The Rive-Sud line presents a new sequencing to Montreal’s urban landscape, where passengers can uncover new perspectives between accessible, bright, open, and environmentally sensitive stations, landscapes, and entrance plazas. Additionally, each station features a unique local identity that embodies transparency, movement, and natural materials through an impactful blend of architectural, landscape, interior, and urban design.
Integrated into their surrounding urban, industrial, and natural landscapes, each REM station is created from a standardized set of adaptable modular components, allowing for optimal functionality and adaptability. They are designed to be woven into their own unique geographic challenges and environmental contexts, from crossing highways with panoramic views to diving below ground, all to achieve synchronicity with the city’s transportation systems.
“With the REM, we’ve redefined the mass transit experience. Our contribution goes far beyond architecture: We’ve integrated key design elements that will guide passengers to a more fluid and more connected future transit experience,” says Christian Bisson, lead partner at Bisson Fortin. “REM stations are not just stops, they are starting points for urban development, and incubators of possibilities that will transform options for urban mobility in extraordinary ways.”
Wherever they are, the stations’ enriching qualities remain the same: Their open forms are filled with natural light and prominently feature wood. Strong vertical and horizontal lines give rhythm to every locale and evoke a sense of movement. Transparent glass adds forms for maximized interior and exterior views, as well as an enhanced sense of security.
Integrating sustainable strategies such as rainwater management and vegetation to reduce heat island effects, the stations’ landscape architecture is designed to support each site’s biodiversity. Protecting and intensifying green corridors, each public plaza, multi-use path, and entrance to the stations connect to their surrounding neighbourhoods, integrating with communities while benefiting the health and well-being of all life around them.
“This is a project that builds on the rich tradition of iconic infrastructural projects that have defined Montreal’s past, while offering a new vision towards a more sustainable future,” concludes Duff Balmer, design principal at Perkins&Will. “We are deeply honoured to have been part of this exciting project.”
Réseau Express Métropolitain Stations, Montreal, Quebec – Building Information
Architecture: Lemay – https://sidleearchitecture.com/en/, Bisson Fortin – https://sidleearchitecture.com/en/ and Perkins&Will – https://sidleearchitecture.com/en/
Landscape architecture: Lemay
Mechanical, electrical and structural engineering: SNC-Lavalin / Stantec
Civil engineering: SNC-Lavalin / Aecom/Stantec
Acoustic specialists: SNC-Lavalin
Regulations: Technorm
General contractor: SNC-Lavalin, Dragados Canada, Aecon Quebec Group and EBC (in consortium under the name NouvLR)
Lemay
Since 1957, Lemay has been imagining new ways to create spaces that engage users and bring people together. Over 400 architects, designers, industry leaders, and change-makers work tirelessly to cultivate innovation in their own backyards, and in communities around the world.
Inspired and strengthened by transdisciplinary creativity, the firm has also developed its very own NET POSITIVE™ approach to guide teams towards sustainable solutions that shape a better future. With the human experience at its heart, Lemay strives to design with empathy and create spaces to grow.
Bisson Fortin
With 60 years of architectural experience, Bisson Fortin is a leader in the design and construction of major public transit projects. The experience and expertise acquired over the years have enabled the firm to propose innovative solutions that enhance the passenger experience and optimize sustainable design, while promoting excellence in design and architecture. The firm’s technical expertise, creativity, and dynamism are the result of the multiple and complementary talents of its team.
Perkins&Will
Perkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to transform lives. The firm is committed to creating a better, beautiful, more equitable world through Living Design, an approach that integrates environmental, social, and design considerations to advance ecological health and well-being. Architizer named Perkins&Will the world’s “Best Sustainable Firm” in 2023, and Metropolis named it “Firm of the Year” in 2022 for its industry leadership in advancing climate action and social justice.
Fast Company named Perkins&Will one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in Architecture three times and, in 2021, added the firm to its list of Brands That Matter—making Perkins&Will the first architecture practice in the world to earn the distinction. With an international team of more than 2,500 professionals, Perkins&Will has 30 studios worldwide, providing integrated services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, and landscape architecture. Partners include Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects; Portland; Nelson\Nygaard; and Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). For more information, visit www.perkinswill.com.
Photographers: Adrien Williams
Réseau Express Métropolitain Stations, Montreal, Quebec images / information received 041223 from v2com newswire
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