The new Darwin bridges designed by the Provencher_Roy architecture studio changed the focus initially placed on mobility with the automobile focusing on acting as a meeting place for orderly circulation between cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. The project has sought to build a solution that improves the architectural language and complies with safety and comfort standards.
From the pedestrian's perspective, a friendly space is created in which a secret garden appears located between both directions of vehicle circulation. From the highway, a movement expressed through a careful design is conceived.
The new technique for using (GGP) is achieved thanks to research that has lasted 17 years in which frosted glass is integrated into public infrastructures, in collaboration with the University of Sherbrooke and the City of Montreal.
Ponts Darwin by Provencher_Roy. Photograph by Stéphane Brügger.
Project description by Provencher_Roy
Located on Nuns’ Island in Montréal, the twin Darwin bridges open new architectural perspectives through their use of local sustainable materials. They are also aligned with Ville de Montréal’s vision to accelerate the city’s ecological transition and establish itself as a North American model of sustainable mobility.
By replacing the old structures that had reached the end of their respective lifespans, the Darwin bridges now enable pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the boulevard’s four traffic lanes and enter Parc de West Vancouver. Our design’s curved formwork and rounded architectural patterns fit seamlessly into an iconic site near the Saint Lawrence River and Corot Building, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1967.
Ponts Darwin by Provencher_Roy. Photograph by Stéphane Brügger.
Sensitive urban integration
Given the architectural richness of the area, an effort has been made to ensure that the Darwin bridges blend harmoniously into the environment. Shapes, proportions, materials, and surface treatments were chosen with the objective of designing elegant, sober, and uncluttered structures. A curved parapet in the shape of an arch creates a safe space more than 4 meters from the traffic lanes, resulting in a unique elegant movement effect spanning the 37-meter length of the infrastructure.
"For decades, almost all transportation infrastructures were built for the sole use of the automobile. However, the growing number of pedestrians and cyclists today requires that we rethink our approach".
Provencher_Roy.
Ponts Darwin by Provencher_Roy. Photograph by Stéphane Brügger.
Sustainability and innovation
The reconstruction of the Darwin bridges uses locally sourced recycled glass, becoming the first in the world to use glass powder concrete, a new material that incorporates fine ground recycled glass. This type of concrete, also referred to as ground glass pozzolan (GGP), replaces 10% of the ternary binder required with recycled glass powder. By using GGP, we saved approximately 40,000 kg of concrete and used a total of nearly 40,000 kg of recycled glass – the equivalent of 70,000 wine bottles. This 100% Québec-based, patented innovation results from 17 years of research carried out by the University of Sherbrooke and Ville de Montréal.
Composed of GGP, the Darwin bridges’ lifespans will extend over 125 years, compared to 75 years for a conventional concrete structure. The bridges present new sustainable materiality, making a world premiere in urban development.
Ponts Darwin by Provencher_Roy. Photograph by Stéphane Brügger.
A secret garden, in complete safety
Between the two lanes of the bridges, the central strip opens and deepens, drawing in two arches from the road, which then slope down towards the cycling path. Complex geometric precast concrete retaining walls are installed between the bridges to create vegetation-lined levels. Extensive landscaping of trees, shrubs, and indigenous plants enliven the bridge perimeters and promote biodiversity. In keeping with the naturalistic approach of the structures, the landscaping around the bridges creates a soft, inviting, and colorful atmosphere. The landscaping of the site was also designed to serve as a wetland area and rain garden for the harvesting of runoff water.
The pathway is illuminated at night with long-lasting LED lighting, to prevent pedestrians and cyclists from experiencing a tunnel sensation.
Ponts Darwin by Provencher_Roy. Photograph by Stéphane Brügger.
Building upon an urban heritage
The Darwin bridges breathe new life into the innovative experience of urban life concept developed in the 1960s, while improving its language, physical, and visual presence within a contemporary framework. With this project, Provencher_Roy thereby illustrates its ability to establish a continuum between an urban architectural language and the emerging generation.
