THE BUILDING
Bruno St-Jean
Le Sherbrooke, and its signature silhouette marks the entrance to downtown, a result of several hundreds of sketches and drafts. Bruno St-Jean, Associate Architect at NEUF Architect(e)s, talks to us about this project which holds a special place in his heart.
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It took more than 200 sketches to find the right balance between volume, space, and silhouette.
THE COURTYARD
Patricia Lussier
A rare plus in Montreal, Le Sherbrooke boasts a courtyard with a valet-style drop-off. Patricia Lussier, Landscape Architect at Lemay, shares with us the vision behind this privileged entryway.
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THE BALLERINA
MALGORZATA CHODAKOWSKA
Born and working in Poland, Małgorzata Chodakowska is a sculptor. Her graceful bronze figures double as fountains that poignantly celebrate femininity and the perpetual motion of life. This accomplished artist will sculpt the centrepiece for the project’s interior courtyard.
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ANDRES ESCOBAR
Andres and Lemay Architects worked together to design the interiors of Le Sherbrooke with one clear intention: to offer Montreal an international standing.
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An interview with
the architect
Bruno St-Jean
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND LE SHERBROOKE?
The context is interesting because it’s a site I’ve been involved with for more than 30 years. I
worked on the first zoning change, in 1987, then developed several possible iterations for the site
over the years, but it was never the right time to start the project.
WHY IS THIS SITE SO DESIRABLE?
Because it’s a hidden gem: whether you’re arriving from the West or the North, it’s the gateway to
downtown. It has great symbolic potential. All the more so because it’s on Sherbrooke Street, one of
the most beautiful thoroughfares in Montreal.
WHAT WAS YOUR ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL FOR LE SHERBROOKE?
To create a very elegant structure that harmonizes with the prestigious buildings on Sherbrooke
Street. They all have similar proportions, wider than they are tall, and always featuring a central
volume flanked by two wings.
We therefore proposed a tower featuring three protruding volumes, with curtain walls between them
that are set further back. This footprint breaks up the building’s massiveness, establishing a
rhythmic visual calmness, and creating something contemporary, but which is inspired by the past.
For the top of the building, instead of a flat roof, we raised the center volume. We lost a little
space, but it allowed us to turn a floor on the roof into terraces for the executive suites and
penthouses; beautiful outdoor spaces that offer views on Mount-Royal. Because of the building’s
orientation, from the 10th floor, the sunsets are simply magnificent.
An interview with
the Landscape
Architect
Patricia Lussier
HOW DID YOUR COLLABORATION WITH BROCCOLINI BEGIN?
Broccolini held a competition to determine who would develop the landscape architecture for the
interior courtyard. They outlined what they were looking for, and the main elements they required.
From that, we developed the concept, the imagery, the narrative… and we were selected.
WHAT IS THE “NARRATIVE”, AND WHAT DID YOU PRESENT?
We looked at the historical background of the Golden Square Mile and created a landscape that
reflected the neighbourhood and its history : the mountain and its orchards, the estates of the
great Scottish and English magnates with their mansions, interior courtyards, and gardens. From
there, we took inspiration from the Scottish tartan to develop the grid-like layout of the space,
with a paving pattern that dictates where the vegetation will be planted, where the furniture will
be placed, and where the lighting elements will go – lighting that’s meant to evoke the jewel-like
aspect of the neighbourhood.
WHAT GIVES THE COURTYARD ITS PRESTIGE?
The courtyard is appointed in a very classical style. It exhibits a
decided sense of symmetry, featuring noble materials with rich
textures and shimmering colours, an array of lush vegetation,
and signature outdoor furnishings where residents can relax and
appropriate the space.
An elegant water feature sits in the heart of the courtyard,
becoming a natural stopping point for strolls and a focus for
curious, admiring gazes. Rising from the center of this stunning
reflecting pool is a ballerina forged of bronze – and water – an
original work by artist Malgorzata Chodakowska.
AND, FOR VEGETATION?
The entire green space is rich with lush deep-green shrubs and
climbing plants that turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. We’re also
including trees meant to represent the forest on Mount-Royal,
including maples and hickory trees. These are also native trees
that withstand urban conditions well and have a stately presence.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE HIGH POINT OF THIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?
The materiality, it’s quite rich: the tactile aspect, the feeling of
light, of colour. We put a big emphasis on vegetation. And the
quality of the materials, it’s a strong aesthetic that strikes you at
first glance… I am really proud of this project.
An interview with
the sculptor
MALGORZATA
CHODAKOWSKA
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SCULPTURE?
I love working and surrounding myself with beauty, with harmonious shapes and positive thoughts. I
want to offer this to others, to inspire them in their daily lives, and also touch their soul, and,
I hope, bring a smile to their face.
WHO ARE YOUR MODELS?
My models are dancers, most of whom have international careers. As a woman, I find it important to
represent the female form, and to show how powerful and delicate it can be at the same time. I see
women as divine creatures, as the bearers of secrets.
WHAT IS YOUR ARTISTIC PROCESS?
First, I sculpt the body to faithfully model the dancer’s pose, then the sculpture is cast in
bronze. But it’s the moment when the water starts pouring through that the piece truly comes alive.
This moment of wonder is what the public experiences the first time they discover the sculpture.
That’s my greatest joy.
An interview with
the Designer
Andres Escobar
TELL US… WHO IS ANDRES ESCOBAR?
I’ve been a designer for a number of years. I started in Europe, then moved to the hospitality
industry in India. I’ve also worked in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In the 90s, I had the opportunity to
work on a project in Williamsburg, New York. What was supposed to last 1 to 2 years lasted 3, 4, 5…
I’ve been working between New York and Montreal for 20 years now.
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK ON LE SHERBROOKE?
Broccolini approached me hoping I could infuse my New York style into the aesthetic of the project.
Anthony and Michael, the new generation of Broccolinis, are rather avant-garde and very discerning.
We quickly developed a relationship of trust, and that’s what makes a project successful.
WHAT WAS THE ROLE OF LEMAY + ESCOBAR IN THE PROJECT?
We did all the architectural design : the space planning and space programming, the ground floor,
and the common areas. We proposed ideas that exceeded the initial requirements. For example, I
suggested that the penthouses have verandas, because most of the Golden Square Mile residences had
their own conservatories. Not solariums, but English winter
gardens.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OF THE PROJECT?
The amenities were designed to resemble the facilities of a five-star hotel or higher. The lobby
reserved for the executive suites and penthouses is well equipped, sophisticated, very cosmopolitan.
You could imagine yourself in New York, Paris, or even in London. This kind of grandeur has its
place in Montreal.
The lobby in the other wing is more contemporary. It’s meant to appeal to sophisticated young
professionals. We wanted it to be cool and edgy
PERSONALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ELEMENTS?
The indoor pool, without a doubt. I wanted a pool that people would dream about at night; long and
narrow, with a continuously flowing water cascade at the end. Like a work of art. Where would you
find something like that? In the Bulgari Hotel in Milan, or in a high-end spa in Scandinavia. I said
to myself… why not give this opportunity to Montrealers?
