Built on one of Montreal’s most beloved landmarks and urban family escapes, Mount Royal Park, the kiosks are both a poetic and practical response the surroundings. And through their specific uses and architecture, the kiosks appear to tell us a story – one that has been told for countless generations.

Following the spirit of F.L. Olsmtead creation, the uniqueness of each individual kiosk is the result of their integration into the park in the most discreet and harmonious manner possible. Not only respecting the environmental integrity of the mountain itself, but blending in with the poetry of the landscape, and all this with an eye on longevity.

The three new kiosks, each an original building, take on the shape of the hamlet. This was an important factor in the design, as a hamlet incorporates the idea of a village, one that encourages a sense of interaction and community. The positioning of the kiosks are random, representing a dialogue between the kiosks and the main pavilion, the waterfall at Beaver Lake. Their random positioning, in effect, encouraging multiple approaches.

The spirit of this installation is inspired by two main components. The play of light and the constant shifting of the wind. This was purely intentional and necessary to create a constant sense of movement. A movement that follows the path of the wind and shifts in the light, appearing random and structured all at the same time. In essence, the three kiosks read like a painting, being pushed by the wind at three different speeds – expressing sensitivity to the environs and the elements.

Thanks to steel structures, each kiosk leans at a different angle, as if being pushed by the wind. The first kiosk is inclined at 10 degrees, designed for both summer and winter class field trips. With enough room for up to 30 people, the possibilities for activities are multi-fold. The second kiosk, inclined at 20 degrees, houses tools and equipment for park services, as well as a first aid station. While the third, with it’s 30 degree incline, is home to the ticket office, plus storage of recreational equipment.

Overall, the shape and transparency of the buildings creates an impression of lightness. Three cabins dropped into the park. Visible, and depending on your vantage, invisible in the woods. Their transparency encourages the interplay of light and shadows. Up close, the interior is the essence of simplicity, hollowed out and open on both ends. The wood interior is composed of tongue and groove planks stained a neutral colour in each of the kiosks. Hence, the light flows through each building and creates a dialogue between the kiosks and the main pavilion.

The choice of materials is integral to all of the buildings. Each choice the result of a great deal of reflection that contributes significantly to the architectural and poetic aspects of the buildings. Every roof is covered in zinc tiles, and all tiles are cut and placed to highlight the different angles of the kiosks. In the light, the tiles change colour. In fact, every hour of the day, the exterior changes and shifts according to the natural light of the landscape, enhancing the transparent effect. And a night, a warm glowing lantern effect.

The Mount-Royal Kiosks. A moving theatre of light and shadow, perfectly in step with the environment.

Data Sheet

Location: Parc du Mont-Royal, Montreal, QC

Opening: 2016

Project end date: 2017

Area: 45m²/kiosk

Architects: Atelier Urban Face

Lead designer/project manager: Sylvie Perrault

Team: Sylvie Perrault, Pierre Morency, Geneviève Bouthillier-Martel, Émilie Fortier and Éloize Cotnoir

Collaborators: CPF Groupe conseil; Pascal Fortin and Patrick Coutu, Moise Saban Consultants; Moise Saban. Hubert Blanchette inc.; Hubert Blanchette and Suzanne Brosseau

Photographers: Fany Ducharme, Normand Rajotte, Sylvain Legault and Sylvie Perrault 

About Atelier Urban Face

Atelier Urban Face has been on the Montreal architectural scene since 2003. Their mission has always been to enrich urban spaces via unrivalled spatial experiences that energize their environments. The architects achieve this with a conceptual approach that explores the synergy between new programs and the physical and cultural characteristics of a space.

Since day one, Atelier Urban Face has made its mark – and won numerous awards – through the development of meaningful projects that have a positive impact on their surrounding environments, and this by elevating the dialogue between buildings and their surroundings.

Concepts proposed advocate smart, responsible architecture that adds value from a community, cultural, and economic point of view. And this while keeping a consistent focus on exceeding quality standards, and staying up to date on all the latest in sustainable development.

With a process that encourages close collaboration with the client, Atelier Urban Face is widely known for meeting challenges with creativity throughout the entire project development process.