Unity courtyard is built on top of an existing parking garage, in between two luxury condominium buildings within Montreal’s Quartier International neighborhood. Based on the subtle dislocation of two architectural grids (between a restored industrial building and a new contemporary architectural piece), the design of the inner courtyard harmoniously links the rhythm of both facades in a dynamic and playful way. Wood is used throughout the project to contrast with the downtown ‘hardscape’ and the resulting parquet motif recalls the slight shift between the two building footprints. Planters and steel shade structures create vertically framed spaces for both residential and commercial uses that share the space.

The heart of the courtyard comes alive with a large scale, perfectly flat, floor of western red cedar planks which fan out from one facade to another, offering diverse widths, uses and character. In the dancing motif of the wooden planks, the courtyard deck becomes the physical link and the meeting point between two architectural eras. Using the woody material creates a contrasting icon that distinguishes itself from the strong presence of brick and metal on adjacent facades and the cold concrete ambiance and feeling of nearby downtown Montreal. In a few strategic areas, river stones have been used as gabion walls to add texture to private planters and entrance features.

Resting on the roof of the underground garage and surrounded by twelve floors of buildings, the courtyard offers some planting elements and structures to add greenery where conditions allow. These structures, resulting from the illusion of ‘folding’ of the floor surface, underline the verticality of the space and define private zones for residences that have direct access to the courtyard. Plant selection offers visual screening and more privacy near individual entrances. Vegetation within shared public spaces.provide light shade and lush greenery with seasonal interest.