MU Architecture was commissioned
to design an oasis of relaxation in this
exceptional place, a little heaven in the
heart of the city. It is between the boatspa, the river and the elevated railway
that Bota Bota Gardens take shape.
The mandate was to create a relaxing
area on the mainland and thus give
customers access to the exterior. The
project was to become the favorite spot
for tourists and locals looking for silence,
cooling and shade in the hot summer
months, but also a friendly place to swim
outdoors in winter with outstanding
views on the downtown skyscrapers.
MU Architecture proposed development
concept was for a series of green steps
that gradually link the boat and the
ground. In choosing the container as the
main element of construction, there was
a way to showcase the concept of loading
dock and create a nod to the port context.
large perforated metal sheets with a laser
cut squares pattern that provides a set of
shadows dancing to the rhythm of the
movement of the sun.
These "pavilions" were therefore
arranged to create a course oriented
towards relaxation and discovery. The
architectural intention was to create a
simple but yet elegant set of monolithic
volumes that frames strong perspectives.
The volumes are positioned in order
to create continuous alignments with
impressive views on the grain silos,
Habitat 67, the Old Port and the
skyscrapers of the city. Large green
roofs cantilever to create sun animated
shadows that help generate this oasis
feel. Soffits of these roofs consist of
The first volumes greet and direct us to
the center of the project. A ray of light
draws us to the pool, the central element
of the project. The containers thus
revolve around this great body of water
divided into three basins (cold bath, large
hot tub and large pool). The orientation
of these basins allows for a maximum
of sunlight throughout the day and
their irregular shapes generate different
areas in order to maximize intimacy.
Everything is spread out over a hundred
feet and forms the largest non-public
outdoor pool in Montreal.
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