Highlighting the presence of the Cree Nation on Montreal’s skyline through its distinctive design, Odea is the result of a collaboration between Lemay, Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, and the Cree Nation to explore symbols of the Cree community through an architectural identity.
Emblematic of a nation, a place, and its history, Odea’s name is inspired by the Cree word “ode” which means “canoe”, the shape of which turns the structure into a distinctive landmark in downtown Montreal at a southern gateway to the city. Located on a site owned by the James Bay Cree since 1995, Odea highlights the presence of the Cree Nation by integrating their values and highlighting some of the characteristics of their culture.
The concept and approach to both the architecture and landscape for Odea centered around elements of Cree culture: Alongside the aforementioned canoe are the forest and the tree, where as the canoe shapes two imprints onto the building, the ascending floors echo a white birch’s trunk and street-facing walls resemble an envelope of white bark. In keeping with the Cree Nation’s principle of land preservation, Odea will employ Lemay’s sustainable strategy framework Net Positive™ to promote environmental protection, carbon reduction, and user health and well-being through its operations.
This symbolic 25-story structure is made up of 435 residential units, 264 rentals, and 171 condominium units in addition to 10,000 square feet of commercial and retail space and two preserved and integrated heritage buildings. Odea also includes a basilica and an interior courtyard that will be accessible to the public.
A new precedent for Indigenous design in major Canadian cities, Odea showcases purposeful community engagement in a meaningful space where design is an impactful tool for activism and inclusion. In addition to meeting urban integration challenges, the concept is the result of great cultural collaboration between the Lemay team and the client, Creeco.
The project illustrates the notion of territory by drawing inspiration from Montreal’s urban landscape and cultural identity.
