Outdoor spaces: creating vibrant and sustainable environments
Concordia’s Campus Master Plan prioritizes the development of inclusive, accessible and sustainable outdoor spaces across both the Loyola and Sir George Williams campuses. These improvements will enhance student life, support community engagement and promote environmental stewardship.
Loyola Campus: preserving heritage and expanding green spaces
At the Loyola Campus, outdoor spaces play a crucial role in preserving the university’s heritage while fostering social interaction and sustainability. Key initiatives include:
Vibrant and functional courtyards
- Northern quadrangle: expanded green space and pedestrian pathways replacing parking areas, with added urban agriculture zones and improved views of the Loyola Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre (RF).
- West quadrangle: sustainable materials replacing existing surfaces, ensuring accessibility and complementing future developments.
- East quadrangle: year-round functionality, leveraging sun exposure and heritage buildings for ceremonies and events.
- Southern quadrangle: landscaped areas enhancing ceremonial functions and serving as a prominent campus gateway.
Key pathways and forecourts
- North-south and east-west axes: linking major campus sectors through pedestrian-friendly green corridors, improving biodiversity and reducing heat islands.
- Forecourts: enhancing building entrances with welcoming spaces, seating and landscaping to integrate campus zones.
Sustainability and urban integration
- Urban agriculture: expansion of community gardens, orchards and biodiversity zones for education and engagement.
- Green roofs: increasing rooftop greenery for stormwater management, biodiversity and additional outdoor learning areas.
- Buffer zones: vegetative barriers providing seamless transitions to neighbouring communities, enhancing safety and sound insulation.
Sir George Williams Campus: maximizing urban space for public use
Located in downtown Montreal, the Sir George Williams Campus faces unique urban challenges, requiring innovative outdoor solutions to foster engagement and sustainability. Key initiatives include:
Gathering spaces and public areas
- University forecourts: key locations like the Henry F. Hall (H) Building, J.W. McConnell (LB) Building arcades and Engineering, Computer Science and Integrated Visual Arts Complex (EV) courtyard will be redesigned with urban furniture, greenery and lighting.
- North Hall terrace: a redeveloped terrace connecting Mackay and Bishop streets, improving seating, accessibility and integrating Indigenous cultural elements.
- Grey Nuns (GN) Building outdoor areas: new teaching spaces, quiet zones and transformed forecourts replacing parking lots to enhance pedestrian flow.
Urban integration and mobility enhancements
- Pedestrianization of Mackay Street: creating a seasonal pedestrian-only area with urban seating and shade structures.
- Expansion of Norman Bethune Square: strengthening pedestrian pathways and increasing green space for community events and interaction.
- Revitalization of Ste. Catherine Street West: widened sidewalks, added seating and sustainable drainage solutions supporting climate resilience.
Sustainability initiatives
- Greening the campus: expanded urban greenery with plant beds, tree canopies and air-quality improvements.
- Rooftop utilization: establishing green terraces for teaching, relaxation and community gatherings, integrating solar shading and sustainable materials.
