LEMAY
“ Humaniti has shifted the playing field for mixed use projects in Montreal and Canada , testament to the courage of the development team , and challenges the status quo in numerous ways . It has emerged as an example of how thoughtful and nuanced design excellence strategies can play a part in the success of large and complex developments . Humaniti is key to the resurgence of the city , and a symbol of Montreal ’ s future as a design capital of the world .”– Andrew King , Chief Design Officer , Lemay
THE HOTEL
The 4.5-star Marriott Autograph Collection hotel is spread over 11 floors , and is suspended on a cantilever-shaped structure , marrying Humaniti ’ s residential and commercial complexes and completing the community ’ s unique “ H ” shape .
“ The project is located in the Quartier International , a few steps from the Palais des Congrès , the city ’ s iconic convention center , and on the threshold of the historic city centre . It is an iconic , youthful , and vibrant scene , and we therefore wanted the focus to be on fun and joy , and to be very contemporary . We drafted the space with clean lines , and we curated it with eclectic art and furniture .” – Andres Escobar , Design Principal , Lemay + Escobar
Inside the hotel , two concurrent design themes are at work : the bold , geometric accents inspired by the sharp architecture of Humaniti , and the softer , tranquil emphasis on the concept of “ humanity ”.
Nowhere is that better exemplified than in the lobby of the Humaniti Montreal Hotel , as the chandelier , twisted in the sinuous shape of a DNA strand , beautifully complements the high ceilings , geometric floors , and striking ceiling pattern , along with a gold linear partition . The sculptural art pieces displayed throughout the lobby convey a similar contrast between geometry and humanity .
The same holistic approach characterizes the guestrooms , with a color palette consisting primarily of rich yellows and deep teals . This fosters a rich balance between the happiness and spontaneity of yellow , and the tranquility and peaceful optimism of teal . The geometric patterns found in the guest rooms , seen both in the carpet and bathroom tile , underscore the overall architecture of Humaniti . These elements provide a vibrant contrast to softer design elements such as the artwork , inspired by mother nature , and the human-like pair of sculptures .
CONNECTING URBAN DWELLERS TO NATURE
The vertical community allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy big city living , while connecting with nature , favoring well-being , and striking a dialogue between its residents and the spaces they inhabit . Designed to embrace the surrounding green spaces , Humaniti reconnects urban dwellers with their natural environment . Its design proposes a lifestyle that reduces the need for artificial light in lieu of natural sunlight and views , in an effort to create a sense of serenity in an otherwise dynamic and connected context . The project ’ s color scheme was thoughtfully selected based on those that can be found in natural spaces , further solidifying the project ’ s connection to nature .
lemay . com / projects / humaniti /
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