Elise Beauregard Porfolio (ENGLISH)

Élise Beauregard
Landscape architect senior, LEED® AP

portfolio

I love what I do. It takes me around the world and deep into my imagination. I am a senior landscape architect whose work involves developing
urban landscapes. I am the recipient of several prizes for design, and I lecture. I learned the discipline and how it is integrated with sustai-
nable development. I work both alone and with a multidisciplinary team for a variety of clients and a variety of causes. When I am at my desk
I am able to transport myself to the many different places that humans inhabit. I listen to the needs expressed to me. I analyze the insertion
environment and allow myself time to soak up the culture of the site. I work hard to establish and confirm where its identity lies.

It is said that I am a professional whose strength is intuition… My feet are firmly on the ground, but my vision for development knows no
bounds. My job is to interact with the intangibles of the space. In my work there are no walls, no ceiling. It is work of pure conception, which
starts with emptiness but remains well anchored in the continuity of its context. This is why my designs embrace the entire space, and some-
times even determine the overall identity of the site of a building that someone just wants to decorate with some “landscaping”. My strength
is the steadfastness of my relationship with the natural and built landscape, because this represents the ultimate modern cultural expression.
My guide and my raw material are the landscape itself, and everything must relate to it. It is what determines my choices.

ÉLISE BEAUREGARD Landscape architect senior, LEED® AP 2
ebeauregard4@hotmail.com

I use the buildings and the different materials to sculpt the space, creating shapes and volumes. I insert them, either in harmony or in contrast,
into the fascinating world of vegetation, which offers very generous possibilities in three dimensions. It is a constant struggle to incorporate
these plants in a sustainable context. Plants symbolize our humanity and our desire to preserve them. They grow along with us, strong and
free, towards the sky and show us we must never halt our efforts to bring scorched or frozen earth back to life. Plants are perhaps the link
between life and our survival.

I like it when people are comfortable in the spaces, large or small, that for various reasons we design across the lively cityscape. Sometimes
when I return to the site of one of my interventions, I am surprised and happy to see someone sitting peacefully on a bench. Sometimes they
feel relaxed enough there to tilt their heads back and look up through the treetops to the sky beyond... Thus from the order created out of
chaos comes a small moment of calm. Peace and beauty are ephemeral. But what is important is that the person is touched, that he feels
better for having experienced this moment of reflection and that he continues his journey refreshed… People like me seek out these quiet
moments… Here are a few examples of my work.


Table of Contents

1. Grand gestures 2. Drawing 3. Our daily landscape;
for plazas and large neighbourhoods on small parks, streets
public spaces; places to the landscape and our secret corners
get away from it all

> 6 1.1
Place Jean-Talon or when a grocer 34 Creating an elegant ‘new urbanism’
2.1 52 Hydro-Québec’s temporary plaza…
3.1
has a passion for urban design neighbourhood at Bois-Franc like the garden in Alice in Wonderland
13 1.2
The Bell Centre with its large 40 Quite simply Longueuil sur le Parc:
2.2 55 The sculpture garden at the Musée
3.2
forecourts for welcoming fans of a neighbourhood that respects des Beaux-Arts
Canada’s national sport – hockey its natural context 57 3.3 The Holt Renfrew pocket park
19 1.3
La Grande Place in the new Bois- 43 The sensuality of the Middle East:
2.3 60 The roof terrace at the Hilton Hotel
3.4
Franc neighbourhood in Montréal Amwaj – a new neighbourhood 63 Rue Des Forges to give it back
3.5
23 1.4
The Interpretation Centre for the for Rabat? the elegance that it lost
Brown Basin 45 The exoticism of the Orient:
2.4 65 Reinventing commercial streets
3.6
25 1.5
Intrawest and its pedestrian village Shenzen, Zhenye for life in the suburbs: Centropolis
27 1.6
The Resort Centre at Manoir 47 A prestigious address:
2.5 67 The Laval Metro
3.7
Richelieu The Montréal Garden in Wuhan, China 69 Hydro-Québec’s administrative centre
3.8
29 1.7
Pointe-à-Carcy 49 Dubai Creek in Dubai
2.6

4. List of Awards


1. Grand gestures for plazas
and large public spaces; places
to get away from it all

6 1.1
Place Jean-Talon or when a grocer
has a passion for urban design
13 1.2
The Bell Centre with its large forecourts for
welcoming fans of Canada’s national sport – hockey
19 1.3
La Grande Place in the new Bois-Franc
neighbourhood in Montréal
23 1.4
The Interpretation Centre for the Brown Basin
25 1.5
Intrawest and its pedestrian village
27 1.6
The Resort Centre at Manoir Richelieu
29 1.7
Pointe-à-Carcy


1. Grand gestures for plazas and large public spaces; places to get away from it all

1.1 Place Jean-Talon or when a grocer
has a passion for urban design

2003 Regional Honours Award from the Type of project: Neighbourhood public square surrounded by retail
Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Services: Site Plan, Landscape Concept, Design Development and
(CSLA) and 2003 National Award from the Construction Supervision
Institut de Design de Montréal Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Client: Loblaws
2004 Award for Excellence in Urban Design Year: 1997-2000
from the Institut de Design de Montréal for
the Gare Jean-Talon, Montreal.


The purpose behind the construction of this
Plaza in its original location (through a re-inter-
pretation of the guidelines for laying out clas-
sical French gardens) was to connect and
integrate the notion of a large commercial
establishment (here, a 70,000-sq.ft. super-
market) and a heritage site – this was a highly
symbolic station – in an exemplary and defin-
itive way, in the highly charged atmosphere of
suspicion and mistrust on the part of the neigh-
bourhood residents and the Montreal popula-
tion in general.


By restoring its prestige and its former splendour, not only did the Plaza
rediscover its raison d’être as a Station (and vice-versa), it became the
perceived principal element that immediately allowed the people, who
were previously totally opposed to any intervention, to re-adopt the site
and the premises.

In re-instating its original significance in the fabric of the City, the Station
has not only become a public infrastructure, it has acquired a new role as
a neighbourhood portal, helping to develop a strong feeling of belonging
and thus revitalizing a somewhat rundown area of the City.


A place for all to meet, an esplanade to enhance a heritage railroad
station, a focal point for a new retail complex, a platform for formal and
informal neighborhood events. The challenge was to develop a sense
of place, to link past and present and to integrate practicality in a strong
architectural and landscape statement.



1.2 The Bell Centre with its
large forecourts for welcoming fans of
Canada’s national sport – hockey

2002 Regional Merit Award from
the Canadian Society of Landscape
Architects (CSLA)

Fluidity and economy of circulation – vital
for commuter train users. Vertical structures
inspired by the architecture (materials, colours,
restraint and formal elegance) surround the
Courtyard, directing the view upwards towards
the entrance in the form of a vertical garden,
which serves as a screen and parapet.

Type of project: Public courtyard and other
pedestrian spaces
Services: Landscape Concept, Design
Development and Construction Supervision
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Client: The Montréal Canadiens Hockey Club
Year: 1990-1996


1.2 The Bell Centre with its large forecourts for welcoming fans of Canada’s national sport – hockey



Multifunctional square, with its circulation, its garden, its quiet areas for rest and relaxation and
its capacity for assembly as a locale for outdoor shows.

Ingenious use of stones from the demolition among which benches and walls define the bound-
aries underground vaults and pillars.

Steel strips trace the path of the original train tracks.



This public site highlights the symbolic traces of
its past (railway station) and its current function
as a public square attached to a huge sports
and amusement centre. References to historic
materials are incorporated into the restrained,
refined, contemporary design. They give the
site a “monastic” atmosphere.

Other spaces surrounding the building bring
out the evocative visual elements and create
new perspectives. The fluidity and openness
of these areas assist pedestrian traffic.



1.3 La Grande Place in the new
Bois-Franc neighborhood in Montreal

Type of project: Public square
Services: Landscape Concept, Design Development and
Construction Supervision
Client: Bombardier Real Estate ltd.
Year: 2003

“La Grand Place” is the main square of the new Bois-Franc integrated
residential community, situated just north of downtown Montreal. The
square is where the community congregates to shop, meet and dine
out. Vehicular traffic and parking are kept out of sight on the periphery.


1.3 La Grande Place in the new Bois-Franc neighborhood in Montreal

The layout of the square is of classical European inspiration; however it
maintains a very contemporary presence that adds a youthful and play-
ful tone to the general atmosphere. This is exemplified by a fountain in
the form of a very pure oval, an attractive pattern of terra cotta brick and
granite, as well as low seating walls that curve their way around the
centrepiece fountain.



1.4 The Interpretation Centre
for the Brown Basin
Élise Beauregard was the designer for the over-
all concept for the development of the architec-
tural design and the walkway, as well as for all
the landscaping. The highlight of the develop-
ment concept is the long promenade, leading
to a walkway that projects out over the river.
Visitors will feel as if they were walking on water!
The main axis is punctuated by a series of sights.
Pedestrians climb a gently inclined slope lead-
ing to a panoramic terrace that houses an inter-
pretation centre. The building has been blended
into the profile of the ground, and covered by a
green roof that maximizes access to the walkway
and to views over the river.

The design favoured natural approaches.
Native grass seeds were planted to restore the
wild appearance of the river embankment. The
embankment of the Brown Basin was restored
so that canoes and kayaks could land more
easily. Stacks of natural rocks around the struc-
tures were used rather than concrete. In addi-
tion, the site is very pedestrian-friendly, and also
features a circular bicycle path connecting the
interpretation centre to the existing path along
Champlain Boulevard. The interpretation centre
is also planned as a green building with excep-
tional environmental and energy performances.

Project Type: Landscaping
Services: Urban and design landscape Master plan , landscape design,
project management, construction plans, site supervision
Location: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Client: Port of Québec
Year: 2006-2007


1.4 The Interpretation Centre for the Brown Basin



1.5 Intrawest and its pedestrian village

Type of project: Resort
Services: Development, Land Use Master Plan, Urban Design and Landscape Design
Location: Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Client: Intrawest
Year: 1991 - Ongoing


1.5 Intrawest and its pedestrian village

Since Intrawest purchased the Mont-Tremblant Station in 1991, constant development has
occurred such that today it compares favourably with other resorts of international calibre such
as Whistler, Blackcomb, Vail and Aspen. Elise Beauregard has worked closely with Intrawest on
the implementation of this project . She has designed the main plaza and the very popular main
pedestrian commercial street .



1.6 The Resort Centre at Manoir Richelieu

Type of project: Complete redevelopment of
existing resort grounds
Services: Landscape concept, design
development and construction supervision
Location: La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada
Client: Société Casiloc and Canadian
Pacific Hotels
Year: 1999-2002


1.6 The Resort Centre at Manoir Richelieu

This well-known five-star resort was initially built
in the 1920’s. In the late 1990’s, Casiloc (Loto-
Quebec) and Canadian Pacific Hotels (now
Fairmont Hotels) acquired the property and
engaged in a major redevelopment, upgrading
the hotel and neighbouring casino. All the
grounds overlooking the St. Lawrence River
were also redesigned to meet the new stan-
dards. The sloping terrain was enhanced to
take advantage of spectacular views over the
river and create a variety of exterior spaces suit-
able for outdoor sports activities, social events,
relaxation and socializing.

The vocation of this site is now a casino with
huge numbers of people visiting for a few hours
at a time. Élise Beauregard was in charge of a
team of designers to incorporate new roads,
parking and buildings into this historic con-
text. New gardens, areas for rest and relaxation,
event venues and kilometres of new footpaths
needed to be created through and on this huge
property, located alongside the golf course.

Her vision for the concept was for the majes-
tic, wild landscape of this region to enfold this
new $200 million dollar complex as if it were
part of the mountain itself. The vegetation, the
topography, the drainage were all extensively
examined so that the new building and other
infrastructures would blend in amongst the
century-old mature trees on the site with the
least possible impact.


1. Grand gestures for plazas and large
public spaces; places to get away from it all

1.7 Pointe-à-Carcy

The master plan

Ticket Office Protected walkway for cruise Type of project: Heritage site restoration, Urban Park and Amphitheatre
passengers Services: Urban and design landscape Master plan , landscape
design, project management, construction plans, site supervision.
Client: Port de Québec
Étude d’intégration des bâtiments Location: Quebec City, Canada
Year: 2007 2008

The design created by Élise Beauregard is based on a concentric struc-
ture, making the site cohesive. This circular movement becomes the
mechanism that reintegrates the amphitheatre through the creation of
raised bands of vegetation all around it, providing lookout points for
views over the river.

From the opposite bank, these “dunes” recall the riverside landscapes
Amphitheatre Customs House and provide a foundation for the heritage Customs House in the back-
ground. The approach Ms. Beauregard chose was to lead a project with
a multidisciplinary team (architects, engineers, stage designers, etc.),
which illustrates the strength of the profession, because their vision was
without spatial boundaries.


1.7 Pointe-à-Carcy

From the perspective of integrating the installations into the landscape, Élise Beauregard led her team of landscape archi-
tects in carrying out a volumetric study of the new buildings before the teams of architects finalized their drawings. All the
designs for the ticket office, protected walkway for cruise passengers, buildings with backstage and public restrooms
and the agora itself, were dictated by the landscaping concept. The mounds placed on the site rise dramatically from a
low point up to the new buildings, which then take the eye even higher.


1.7 Pointe-à-Carcy

For the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, the Federal Government wished to redevelop the site at Pointe-à-Carcy for the citizens.
Pointe-à-Carcy, in the Old Port, is a monument site that symbolizes the history of the port and the river a link between the water and human activ-
ity and one of Quebec’s historic ports of entry.

History

1845 1860 Customs House
1896 1920 1984 2006
and its basin

Development

Panoramic views Circular movement Paving pattern The dunes


1.7 Pointe-à-Carcy


2. Drawing neighbourhoods
on the landscape

34 Creating an elegant ‘new urbanism’ neighbourhood
2.1
at Bois-Franc
40 Quite simply Longueuil sur le Parc:
2.2
a neighbourhood that respects its natural context
43 The sensuality of the Middle East:
2.3
Amwaj – a new neighbourhood for Rabat?
45 The exoticism of the Orient: Shenzen, Zhenye
2.4
47 A prestigious address: The Montréal Garden
2.5
in Wuhan, China
49 Dubai Creek in Dubai
2.6


2. Drawing neighbourhoods on the landscape

2.1 Creating an elegant ‘new urbanism’
neighbourhood at Bois-Franc

Master-Plan 1998

Master-Plan 1993

Type of project: Integrated residential community and
mixed-use urban development project: 8,000 housing units, Master-Plan 2009
120,000 m2 of retail/office, 35 ha of open space
Services: Master plan, Design Guidelines, Landscape Design,
Development Strategy. construction drawings and site supervision
Client: Bombardier Real Estate Ltd.


2.1 Creating an elegant ‘new urbanism’ neighbourhood at Bois-Franc

2000 First Prize of the Ordre des Urbanistes du Québec
for the Project Master Plan

Élise Beauregard helped develop the Master Plan and also the identity
signature for the project. She was the main landscape development con-
sultant for this huge project with 8,000 housing units.

She was the chief designer for developing the concept and layout of the
streets, parks, lakes, squares and other public and private spaces within
the community. The careful integration of urbanism with the landscaping
sets Bois-Franc apart, giving it a human dimension, a strong personal-
ity and a distinct design.

An ingenious combination of the placement of buildings on a “zero lot
line”, streets as narrow as possible to contrast with the wide open bodies
of water, large areas of parkland and highly sophisticated urban squares,
helps to define the unique identity image of this large-scale project.



Thanks to a balanced integration of architecture, urban design and land-
scape architecture, the Bois-Franc residential community stands out
for its comfortable scale, strong identity and distinctive layout. The new
residential neighbourhood is a “new town in town” influenced by the val-
ues of New Urbanism. The site originally served as an industrial airport.
The project is today a huge success in terms of real estate in Montreal.



An imaginative combination of water features, plants and site grading
allows residents of the Bois-Franc housing project to enjoy recreation,
relaxation and other leisure activities in a reconstituted natural setting.



2.2 Quite simply Longueuil sur le Parc:
a neighbourhood that respects its natural context

Project Design
A residential development perfectly integrated into the existing woodland pattern,
designed and guided by the landscape architects

Master development plan Central park landscape plan Site and existing resources analysis

Type of project: Integrated residential community: 2,000 units 2010 Award for Excellence for planning a low-density community
Services: Urban design and landscape Master plan, Design of 2000 units integrated in a natural environment
Guidelines, Landscape Design, Development Strategy, construction
drawings and site supervision Élise Beauregard was the chief designer for this urban development and
Location: Longueuil, Quebec, Canada landscape architecture project. Her vision for the concept was to blend
Client: TMSA the development into the existing, very beautiful, uncultivated landscape
Year: 2002 - Ongoing and not to destroy it by imposing merely an architectural project.


2.2 Quite simply Longueuil sur le Parc: a neighbourhood that respects its natural context

A residential development perfectly integrated into the existing woodland pattern.
An in-depth, on-going involvement in a remarkable neighbourhood in a natural, preserved setting.


2.2 Quite simply Longueuil sur le Parc: a neighbourhood that respects its natural context

Project’s Details

Longueuil-sur-le-Parc represents the perfect harmony between nature and urban living. This resi-
dential development offers a mix of country-style homes and was designed to ensure maximum
preservation of the natural milieu. Walking trails, a public plaza, bike paths, all interconnected, as
well as a central park that crosses the site from one side to the other, offer residents a natural,
functional and friendly living environment.



2.3 The sensuality of the Middle East:
Amwaj – a new neighbourhood for Rabat?

Client: Sama Dubai
Services : Landscape master-plan , design development
preliminary construction plans
Location: Rabat, Morocco
Execution: Design phase 2007-2009
Construction phase: The completion of the project
is pending as of January 2009.

Élise Beauregard acted as the director for the landscape architecture
Master Plan and its design development for a new pedestrian town in
Rabat, Morocco. The firm Sama Dubaï is based in Dubai.


2. Drawing neighbourhoods
on the landscape
2.3 The sensuality of the Middle East:
Amwaj – a new neighbourhood
for Rabat?

This 100-hectare site is located in the Valley
of the Bouregreg River in Rabat, capital of
Morocco. The Amwaj project is the second
phase in a gigantic six-phase development pro-
ject, with a cost estimated at 3 billion dollars.
Amwaj will have all the infrastructures to make
it an outstanding international model city, giving
the capital and her twin sister Salé a new face.
On the site there will be mixed-use develop-
ment with boutiques, restaurants, hotels, green
spaces and over 15,000 housing units.

The challenge consisted of reinterpreting the
art of Musulmans gardens for the development
of each street, each front and rear façade, the
private and public yards, patios, look-offs, out-
door and indoor parking areas, the constructed
or natural embankments, the design of the
urban street furniture, the roof terraces, the
fountains of all sizes, public plazas – in short, all
the installations in the spaces around the build-
ings. The aim was to breathe new life into this
mega-project along with all the sensuality of
the colours, shapes and aromas of the ancient
towns of the Near East.



2
.4 The exoticism of the Orient:
Shenzen, Zhenye

Creating a deep and memorable sense of place
is key to this project. The concept establishes a
unique urban ecology with a hierarchy of public
spaces. At the same time, it diversifies urban
experiences, and improves the connectivity
between spaces.

The project responds to market demand while
maintaining a responsible attitude towards
environmental conservation and the preserva-
tion of local cultural assets.

Evoking a memorable, profound sense of
place, establishing a hierarchy of public spaces,
restoring and even establishing a unique urban
ecology, while diversifying the types of urban
experiences and improving the connectivity of
the spaces.

A combined “vision” uniting East and West,
offering a dialogue between contemporary and
Type of project: Mixed-use Development for traditional types of gardens.
Urban Residential Community: 10,000 units
Services: Master plan – Design of green and
blue landscape features, landscape master-
plan, design development , construction plans
and site supervision
Location: Shenzhen, China
Client: Zhenye
Year: 2004-2005



2.5 A prestigious address:
The Montréal Garden in Wuhan, China

Type of project: Landscape architecture for
the public plaza, roof terraces, community
and private spaces in this large residential
complex, Wuhan, China
Services: Preparation for an international
competition, concept and design
development
Client: Wuhan Mingyuan Investing Inc.

The mandate consisted of providing this vast
housing complex with an overall landscaping
vision. These residential and commercial build-
ings are enormous, and offer spaces with very
diverse atmospheres and styles, at different lev-
els and for different functions.

The landscaping proposal presents a wide var-
iety of plazas and sub-spaces, in which one
space becomes the observation point for the
next. The work involved the creation of a ser-
ies of natural microcosms, visually enriched by
the clever plays of multiple viewpoints over the
landscapes, both within and beyond the site.


2.5 A prestigious address: The Montréal Garden in Wuhan, China

The final result is that the architecture and the landscape architecture
are closely linked. In fact, the incorporation of a sustainable landscape
into the architecture forms an ensemble that becomes part of the urban
landscape.



2.6 Dubai Creek in Dubai

Client: Sama Dubai
Services: Preparation for an international
competition, landscape master-plan, design
development preliminary construction plans.
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Year: 2008


2.6 Dubai Creek in Dubai

Élise Beauregard was in charge of the design and development of the The landscape vision was to position the building at the foot of the Creek
landscaping concept for Zone 3 – Bani Yas and Bandar Taleb – and a to symbolize the essence of the place. The landscaping features a creek
site where the creek meets the ocean, the original site of Dubai. This is surrounded by gardens and courtyards where people meet and experi-
a three-phase construction project for a new multi-use neighbourhood ence the beauty and richness of the local culture. This concept evokes
with new commercial spaces, offices, business areas and promenades a strong image of the “Soul of Dubai”. It presents visitors with a glimpse
along the banks of the Creek, as well as the construction of 10,000 new of the overall project, the only urban area that embraces the past, the
housing units. The main goal of this prestigious project is to rejuvenate present and the future of Dubai.
this area of historical importance to become the “Soul of Dubai”.
In short, to reflect the historical context in the Landscape Design
Élise Beauregard and her team won the international competition Concept, we tried to capture the spirit of the site and promote the huge
launched by Sama Dubai for the Leasing Office called DUBAI CREEK. potential of living in a development by the creek. The Landscape Design
This was an extremely prestigious project, as it was situated around the creates a location that lures visitors to the site. Once inside, they dis-
home where the current Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid cover a place that celebrates traditional architecture in a creative and
Al Maktoum, was born. contemporary way.


3. Our daily landscape; small parks,
streets and our secret corners

52 Hydro-Québec’s temporary plaza… like the garden
3.1
in Alice in Wonderland
55 The sculpture garden at the Musée des Beaux-Arts
3.2
57 3.3 The Holt Renfrew pocket park
60 The roof terrace at the Hilton Hotel
3.4
63 Rue Des Forges to give it back the elegance
3.5
that it lost
65 Reinventing commercial streets for life
3.6
in the suburbs: Centropolis
67 The Laval Metro
3.7
69 Hydro-Québec’s administrative centre
3.8


3. Our daily landscape; small parks, streets and our secret corners

3.1 Hydro-Québec’s temporary plaza…
like the garden in Alice in Wonderland

Type of project : Small urban park
Services: Landscape Concept, Design Development
and Construction Supervision
Client: Hydro-Québec
Year: 1998

2001 Regional Merit Award from the Canadian Society
of Landscape Architects (CSLA)

“Powerful! Electrifying! This project
is cleanly detailed and illustrates
an excellent solution which may redefine
the word ‘temporary’. ”
Ian Corne
President of the 2001 Regional Merit Awards of the
Canadian Society of Landscape Architects

The project appears and functions as a pure game where nothing
is permanent, as it is only meant to remain for ten years, until Hydro-
Québec Corporation sells the lot for future construction. Just like a game,
the stage is set for the start of a game, the opening of a show. Just like
a game, once over, everything that was used in the game is put back in
order, where it was initially. Just like a game, its purpose is to have fun
and is all about an ephemeral experience.


3.1 Hydro-Québec’s temporary plaza… like the garden in Alice in Wonderland

Companie turn lots into park Desjardins to the west, and the sex shops
Extract from The Gazette, October 11, 1997 and taverns of St. Laurent Blvd. to the east,
Written by David Theodore, researcher the area comes to life as a cultural centre
in architectural history. during the round of summer festivals.

The new square is a valuable outdoor addi-
tion to neighbouring performance spaces.
“… Downtown Montreal is a disaster of The project is a co-operative effort between
vacant lots. But ONE new project has a private corporation and the city. Montreal
taken advantage of the stagnant commer- first asked Hydro-Quebec to provide tem-
cial real-estate market to create engaging porary green space along Ste. Catherine
urban parks. Hydro-Quebec has funded a as well as a park bordering St. Urbain St.,
cultural performance space, Place Hydro- when the company demolished an office
Quebec, on Ste. Catherine St. between St. building on St. Urbain to make way for the
Urbain ans Clark Sts. expansion of the Theatre du Nouveau Monde.
After considering some preliminary propos-
The district surrounding Place Hydro- als, landscape architect Elise Beauregard
Quebec is also waiting for development. negotiated a change to a larger site on Ste.
Including both Place des Arts and Complexe Catherine St.The change provided a chance
to do something more ambitious than just a
small park. The new program called for a
multipurpose performance space for cul-
tural groups.

…Elise Beauregard divided the plan of the
site into three sections. Ten sex-foot high
blue planters containing maple trees sit on a
checkerboard pattern of red and green pow-
dered stone in the eastern portion. A large
central red zone in the middle is left open for
booths, stages and tents. On the western
edge nine 12-foot high light poles and six
benches mark a third zone next to the Theatre
du Nouveau Monde. The lighting poles have
built-in electrical outlet and hooks for hang-
ing displays…”


3.1 Hydro-Québec’s temporary plaza… like the garden in Alice in Wonderland

“The space is as adaptable as possible” , Elise
Beauregard said. Groups will be able to set up tempor-
ary structures anywhere on the site, transforming it in their
own image. Only a discreet sign and the bright blue of the
planters and poles identify Hydro-Quebec. But even they
can be easily removed

It had to allow for security and crowd control, be
flexible and adaptable, project an appropriate image of
Hydro-Quebec when not in use, resist vandalism and
vagrancy, and also – the bottom line – be cheap to build
and maintain. The site is a small section of a parking lot
that stretches from Ste. Catherine to the Hydro-Quebec
building on Rene-Levesque Blvd. The site is enclosed
with a double layer of standard 12-foot heights of chain-
link fence. The panels are playfully tilted and arranged,
acting as a trellis for climbing plants. When the plants
grow up, the enclosure should form a “low-maintenance
geometric hedge”. This fence blocks off the parking lot to
the south and Clark St. to the east, making it easy to con-
trol and separate crowds and performers during special
events. The planters are too high to be easily used as ad-
hoc garbage cans or benches. When no special events
are happening, the space is designed to resist vandal-
ism and discourage loitering. The powdered schist and
clay used for the colourful surface are firm enough to
support tent pegs, but too soft for rollerblading and
skateboarding.

In short, the project is meant for active participation, not
as a casual lunchtime hangout. The bright colours and
rough materials make sense when crowds gather for
special events. Fortunately, Hydro-Quebec is already
programming a wide variety of activities. (The new space
is available free by reservation to cultural groups.) Hydro-
Quebec has to be careful: if the project is too popular,
the corporation will have trouble building on the site in
the future.



3.2 The sculpture garden at the
Musée des Beaux-Arts

Type of project: Outdoor rest and exhibition area
Services: Landscape concept, design development,
construction plans and construction supervision
Client: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Year: 2003


3.2 The sculpture garden at the Musée des Beaux-Arts

Élise Beauregard was asked to design a small sculpture garden adjacent to the downtown Musée
des Beaux-Arts de Montréal. The garden is designed as a place to rest and an exterior extension
of the museum. Sculptures are used to create an attraction and a vibrant signal of the museum’s
presence. The project uses raw materials such as polished concrete, stone and aluminium, in
combination with plant material to create a distinctive space.



3.3 The Holt Renfrew pocket park

Type of project: Design of a temporary
space in downtown Montreal
Services: Concept, design development, con-
struction drawings and site supervision
Client: Holt Renfrew
Year: 2006

Holt Renfrew is one of the most luxurious stores in Montréal. Here you’ll find haute couture boutiques such as Chanel, Hermès
and Vuitton. The store is on Sherbrooke Street at the corner of De la Montagne, right in the heart of downtown.

In 2004, our client wished to build an extension onto his store for the medium term. He wanted to take advantage of a unique
opportunity by purchasing a dilapidated property abutting the rear façade of his store, with a plan to demolish it and eventu-
ally build his extension. Once the building was demolished, the vacant lot turned out to be a narrow, deep rectangle.



My job thus entailed working with diagonal lines
on the ground and judiciously placed screens of
vegetation. The strong diagonal lines were inset
with bands of lawn and red stone dust, creating
areas for resting and relaxation. Vegetation was
chosen to cover the blank wall of the adjoining
building and trees were planted along the edge of
the lane, thus creating visual screens on the south
side and at the bottom of the park.

Viewed from the street, the perspective of the
screen of trees planted at the bottom of the park
It was located on a back lane near the entrance combined with the diagonal lines of the parterre
to an underground parking garage and close garden give the illusion that the lot is shorter and
to storage areas for garbage bins belonging to wider than it really is.
the restaurants that abound in this very busy
part of town. The choice of unobtrusive furniture and a few bol-
lards gave a sense of comfort and security to this
Until such time as his project could be built, our small space, which today is heavily used at all
client wanted to install a small pocket park, for times of the day.
the benefit of his clientele and for neighbour-
hood residents. By the way, the park is still there….

The client thus called on my services. As
this space was to be temporary, the budget
assigned to it by the client was extremely
small – $100,000 CAN. The challenge was
to construct a park that would make one for-
get the narrowness of the lot while at the
same time creating somewhat of a buffer zone
between the back yards on the lane and the
main entrance on the rear façade. This park
also had to make a significant contribution to
Holt Renfrew’s elegant signature.


3.4 The roof terrace at the Hilton Hotel

The Montreal Hilton’s Japanese-inspired rooftop garden provides a Type of project: Landscape Renovation
unique visual and sensory experience to guests walking around the Services: Landscape concept, design
hotel’s public areas or looking out from the privacy of their rooms. This development, construction drawings and
existing garden has been upgraded along the same lines as the original Construction Supervision
garden created by Sasaki in 1967. Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Client: Hilton Hotel
The shared theme respects the philosophy of the tea garden, offering Year: 1996
the traveller a peaceful spot in which to restore his soul, with soothing
water and elegant gardens close by.



3.5 Rue Des Forges to give it back
the elegance that it lost

This commercial artery plays a very significant
role in the revitalization of the downtown area
of Trois-Rivières, since it leads to the riverside
walkway that was built in the port area and thus
constitutes a major point of entry into the city.

Project Type: Urban revitalization
Services: Master plan, landscaping concept,
construction drawings, site supervision
and project management
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
Client: City of Trois-Rivières
Year: 2003


3.5 Rue Des Forges to give it back the elegance that it lost

The City of Trois-Rivières wished to ensure that this area would be user friendly, while requiring
the use of sustainable materials that blended in with the surrounding architecture and required
a minimum of maintenance. Accordingly, we developed custom lampposts and urban furniture,
including Morris columns and planters that contribute to the unique urban charm of this public
space. Special care has been taken to create pavement patterns that distinguish sidewalks from
the terrace spaces.



3.6 Reinventing commercial streets for life
in the suburbs: Centropolis

Type of project: Commercial Development
Services: Master Plan of landscape design , design development,
construction drawings and site supervision.
Location: Laval, Quebec, Canada
Client: Ivanhoe Cambridge / Caisse de dépôt


3.6 Réinventer des rues commerciales pour la vie en banlieue : Centropolis

Centropolis is a suburban lifestyle shopping complex with an urban character, very different
from other large regional shopping centres, thanks above all to the use made of public plazas
and parks. Élise Beauregard directed the team of urban designers and landscape architects
to develop the master plan for the urban and landscape architecture, the design guidelines for
signage and all the design development for the public and private place for this complex. The
assignment also included detailed site plans, phasing and costing, and the landscape design
of streetscapes and parking areas, the areas around buildings, sidewalks and walkways, plazas
and parks.



3.7 The Laval Metro

Type of project: Design of outdoor spaces at multi-modal stations in Laval
Services : Concept, design development, construction drawings
and site supervision
Location : Laval, Quebec, Canada
Client : Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT)
Year : 2006-2007


3.7 The Laval Metro

The landscape architecture around the stations
draws in the many and various users – train
and bus passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.
The landscape expressed is reinforced by the
impressions found on the ground and in the
planting areas.

A sinuous ribbon embedded in the ground itself
and which opens out once inside the station
symbolizes the movement of the users.

The planting beds along the approaches,
stairs and around the gathering areas follow
the rhythm of the winds and change with the
seasons.

The view from the street is one of a vibrant land-
scape that is reflected onto the façade during
the day, and one that shines from within once
night falls.



3.8 Hydro-Québec’s administrative centre

Award for Excellence in Landscape
Architecture from the Canadian Society
of Landscape Architects (CSLA), for the
design and installation of the Hydro-Québec
Administrative Centre in Ville Saint Laurent

The building’s landscaping symbolically
expresses the resource used by Hydro-Québec,
a public hydroelectric utility provider. Water
becomes the guiding theme for the concept.
The design integrates site grading and plant
sculpture, the innovative use of materials and
modern colours, as well as a work of art by art-
ist Francine Larrivée. Élise Beauregard worked
the soil so that it would undulate like the waves
on the great hydro-electric basins of Quebec’s
Great North.

Type of project: Landscaping for an office complex
Services: Landscape concept, design development, construction drawings
and Construction Supervision
Location: Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Client: Hydro-Québec
Year: 1996


4. List of Awards


2003 Award for Excellence in Landscape
Architecture from the Canadian Society of
Landscape Architects (CSLA) for the Place
de la Gare Jean-Talon project in Montreal;
2003 Regional Honours Award from the
Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
(CSLA)

2004 Award for Excellence in Urban Design
from the Institut de Design de Montréal
(IDM) for the Gare Jean-Talon, Montreal

2002 Award for Excellence in landscape
architecture from the Canadian Society
of Landscape Architects (CSLA) for the
Molson centre project – design of exterior
courtyards, Montreal

2000 First Prize from the Ordre
des Urbanistes du Québec for the
Project’s Master Plan of Bois-Franc,
Montreal, Quebec, Canada


Architecture from the Canadian Society of
Landscape Architects (CSLA ) for
planning a low-density community
of 2000 units integrated in a natural
environment for ”Longueil-sur-le-Parc” site
near Montreal, Canada

Architecture from the Canadian
Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA),
for the design and installation of the
Hydro-Québec Administrative Centre in
Ville Saint Laurent

2001 Award for Excellence, Regional
Merit from the Canadian Society of
Landscape Architects (CSLA) for the
design and installation of the Place
Hydro-Québec in Montreal


Elise Beauregard Porfolio (ENGLISH)

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Elise Beauregard Porfolio (ENGLISH)