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.