Maison Alcan, Art & innovation Campus (Zù)
location: Montreal, Canada
client: Lune Rouge
The Challenge
Transform the classified heritage post-modern ex-Alcan Head Offices in downtown Montreal into a sprawling cultural hub and start-up incubator. Integrate the classified Atrium, the exterior Gardens, the former Salvation Army Citadel Church and a new 120-meter tower into a cohesive and forward-thinking campus (called Zù).
Expertise(s)
ASSET REPOSITIONING, THINK-TANK & INCUBATOR
Market(s)
The Response
Open-up the ground floor with a new North-South pedestrian and visual axis, linking the entrance foyer, the Atrium, the Gardens, and the Citadel into a continuous cultural promenade. Position the new 40-floor tower to the South extremity of the site to preserve the heritage complex and its gardens unscathed. Despite initial controversy over the density, rally community and stakeholders to successfully garner approvals.