[  Il Ponticello ]  Il Ponticello Charrette - first runner mention      

In order to blend past industrial glory with recreational enjoyment, our concept is to integrate Il Ponitcello, its surrounding outdoor space and the Lachine Canal to create a complete “recreo-touristic“ complex.  Since Il Ponticello is a large building in scale compared to the surrounding available outdoor space, it is important to maximize the use of the land as well as making the canal an integral part of the usable environment.  It is also important to have the feeling that the building, canal and land work together as a complete environment making one want to stay and enjoy the space.  This is accomplished by keeping the design and materials simple but also by intertwining the functionality of the space with the visual of the design. The four key features - terrace, grass area, gondola dock and bike path - combine with the visual design to maximize the enjoyment the public can share in bringing back the splendor of the Lachine Canal but with a new meaning.

2004