When design speaks to its surroundings

When design speaks to its surroundings

A building can live and breathe. Its design can absorb and contribute to the energy and aesthetic of its surroundings. The Humaniti complex in Montreal’s Quartier international does just that. Designed from the outside-in, it reflects the richness and diversity of its surroundings while taking on a life of its own.

Located at the heart of vibrant downtown Montreal, Humaniti’s mix of luxury hotel, condo and rental units, offices, restaurants, boutiques and public spaces is the embodiment of the “live, work, play” lifestyle. Inhabitants and onlookers alike are invited to interact and admire. Even the project’s unique H-shaped design promotes a dialogue and openness across its 39 floors of many differing vocations.

Another example of open and generous design is Humaniti’s expansive multifunctional plaza. This outdoor space is a unique extension of the magnificent Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle facing it, named for the famed Canadian sculptor. His famous “La Joute” sculpture seems to quietly communicate with its majestic neighbour. On the larger of two towers, a hive-like architectural gesture reinforces the vertical city concept. Its human scale and well-defined groupings of condos and apartments evoke a smaller, community feel while accommodating hundreds of dwellings.

As the first residential project to be awarded a WELL certification in Canada, Humaniti rental condos demonstrate what’s possible when well-being and health are central to our living spaces, and the limits of biophilic design and sustainable development are surpassed through rigorous research and careful, human-centered designs.

Humaniti has also achieved a LEED Silver certification for its green site design, using strategies aligned with our NET POSITIVETM approach, such as energy and water efficiency as well as quality interior experiences to benefit the health of its communities, optimize its use of natural resources, and reduce its carbon emissions.

“Plenty of tower projects pay lip service to addressing human and metropolitan scales without getting either right. This one seems to find the balance between big-city verticality and the comforts of home.”— Aaron Seward, juror, AN Best of Design Awards

Humaniti Hotel was designed by our New York-based interior design studio Lemay_id; access the full portfolio.

Awards and mentions

2023
Gold Certification | Landscape & Territories: Landscaping / Terrace & Landscaping for Commercial and Office Project
Grands Prix du Design
2022
WAN Awards - Silver Winner, Mixed-Use
World Architecture News
2022
Gold Winner - Mixed-Use Building
Grands Prix du Design
2022
Gold Winner - Chain Hotel
Grands Prix du Design
2022
Honorable mention, Architecture, Mixed Use
IDA - International Design Awards
2022
CTBUH Award of excellence - Best Tall Mixed-Use Building
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
2022
Coup de coeur | Manuel de l'AAPPQ
Association des Architectes en Pratiques Privées du Québec
2022
Winner | Mixed Use Architecture
Architecture MasterPrize
2021
AN' Best of Design Awards, Residential - Mixed-Use
The Architect's Newspaper
2020
Jury's Choice - Model Unit
Habitat Design Awards
2019
AR Future Project Awards, Finalist, Mixed Use
Architectural Record, MIPIM