Urban Dwelling: Country Living in Montréal

M2 (Second Master Level Term) / Design Tutor: Catherine Venart

One of the many reasons people choose to live in the suburbs, or in the rural regions, is for the access to private outdoor space. Children play on the street, in the neighbour's sandboxes and swing sets. There is little fear of letting young ones outside when living in the country. Living in a more dense urban area often means loosing that more private and semi private exterior space; it often means being a number in an apartment block or not knowing your neighbour who lives two doors down. 

Geometrically inspired by Habitat67, UPlex, sited in Pointe St-Charles, Montréal, looks at providing as much private and semi-private outdoor space as there is indoor space. Parents can feel safe letting their children play outside with the neighbour on the large, shared terrace, while they may enjoy the company of their family and friends. These private terraces may also offer the opportunity to expand the interior space should the need exist.