On the evening of May 11, 20 Montréal businesses and designers were declared winners of this year’s Commerce Design Montréal Awards, an initiative of the Ville de Montréal to honour the work of professionals in the fields of design and architecture and to reward Montréal merchants who have invested in designing or renovating their premises. The winners were chosen by a jury of design and retail experts, chaired by Nathalie Bondil, Director and Chief Curator of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Until August 31, members of the public will be able to cast a vote for their favourite business among the 20 winning designs, and they can meet the designers in person during the “Veni. Vidi. Vote!” weekend on June 13–14.
“These prizes speak volumes about Montréal’s creativity, which is renowned all over the world,” said Hélène David, Québec’s Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language. “I congratulate the designers and architects behind these exceptional transformations, as well as the business owners who decided to make their premises more attractive.” She added: “These successful initiatives improve the retail experience for consumers and have a positive impact on quality of life for everyone.”
Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre noted: “Good design is a determining factor in improving competitiveness. It also enhances the vitality and attractiveness of commercial arteries and generates tangible economic benefits for the merchants as well as creative professionals involved.” He added: “Indeed, wherever the Commerce Design concept has been implemented, the result has been the same as in Montréal: a ripple effect among neighbouring businesses. When we lead by example, we can convince the business community to harness design as a way to stand out. The 20 winning businesses are true ambassadors of quality in planning and design, and help reinforce Montréal’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Design. Our wish is to see this kind of quality spread all across the city; we hope these awards will inspire other merchants to invest in the design of their premises.”
2015 Jury Prizes
Spread across seven boroughs, the businesses showcased in this new edition present a wide diversity of commercial offerings, styles, floor space and size. The members of the jury chaired by Ms. Bondil included Benoît Dupuis, architect; Jean-Pierre Généreux, architect and vice-president, Brand and Concept Development, Aldo Group; Jessica Rivière-Gomez, interior designer and founder of Index-Design; and Marie-Hélène Trottier, graphic designer and Creative Director, Jump&Love.
- Au Pain Doré (café, Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce), _naturehumaine architecture & design
- Bar Big in Japan (bar, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal), Cabinet Braun-Braën
- Bar Furco (bar, Ville-Marie), Zébulon Perron
- Boulangerie Guillaume (bakery, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal), L. McComber
- Boulangerie Hof Kelsten (bakery, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal), Zébulon Perron
- Cahier d’exercices (fashion boutique, Ville-Marie), Saucier + Perrotte Architects
- Cuisines Steam (showroom, Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension), Brigitte Boulanger for Cuisines Steam
- Galerie LeRoyer (art gallery, Ville-Marie), Gupta Architecture
- Impasto (restaurant, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie), Zébulon Perron
- Kyozon (restaurant and bar, Ville-Marie), Andres Escobar & Associates
- La Maison Simons (department store, Anjou), LemayMichaud architecture design and Figure3
- Le Balconier (boutique, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal), Lafontaine Langford architects
- Le Rosemont (restaurant and bar, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie), Zébulon Perron
- Manitoba (restaurant, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie), La Firme
- Mesón (restaurant, Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension), Surface3
- Mimi la Nuit (restaurant and bar, Ville-Marie), La Firme
- Mylène B (fashion boutique, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal), _naturehumaine architecture & design
- Privé par David d’Amours (hair salon, Ville-Marie), blazysgérard
- Pizzeria No 900 (restaurant, Outremont), blazysgérard
- Ramacieri Soligo (showroom, Outremont), Alain Carle Architect
Among the main trends observed are the preponderance of recycling, use and reuse of raw and noble materials (wood, copper, concrete) and the choice of warm colours. The designers have streamlined and refreshed the spaces, revealing traces of the past.
“Veni. Vidi. Vote!” weekend
On June 13 and 14, Montrealers are invited to explore the 20 winning businesses and their newly minted premises. The design professionals behind the projects will be on hand to greet visitors and customers and to explain their creative process. Until August 31, 2015, members of the public will be able to vote for their favourite business at one of the 20 locations being showcased or online at commercedesignmontreal.com. The winner of the Choix du public (People’s Choice Award) will be announced on September 14.