The work of the architects of MXMA Architecture & Design for the city of Montreal, to which the project site belongs, assumes a philanthropic and democratic character, and derives its principles from the theory of the nine basic needs as proposed by the Chilean economist Manfred Max-Neef, and from the studies of urban design on a human scale developed by the Danish architect Jan Gehl
Urban design on a human scale and the study of basic needs: social housing in montreal is about integration and well-being
A full-scale integration between the different types of human beings to whom the project is addressing, but also respecting the existing urbanization and vegetation thanks to the in-depth study of the territory: a historic site ( currently confidential), of irregular shape, an islet of which the proposed project attempts to restructure the urban texture
The result is the design of an innovative residential space, with a contemporary identity, that is fluid and flexible, with public and green spaces that are harmoniously interwoven with the mix of housing types of high architectural quality designed for the needs of the heterogeneous population involved (young families, pensioners, singles and couples on low incomes)
71 housing units developed on 4 floors, 44 units for pensioners and 20 for families, couples and singles, have been designed around the public spaces, the centerpiece of the intervention that are both indoor and outdoor where residents can spend time alone, with a friend, as a family, in small groups, or in some cases in large groups. The intent is to improve each resident's home and allow them to take part in various social, cultural and physical activities, increasing their quality of life
The MXMA team has taken into account the architectural and landscape design of the redesigned complex, the evolution of the site and its context. Shape and position of the new buildings while respecting the context with the conservation of the existing important vegetation, the choice of materials and the selection of the names of the common spaces of the project have been influenced by this approach, which has enabled the strengthening of the identity and spirit of the place
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