On October 18th, a great big group of Centre City employees, policy makers, movers, shakers, idea makers got together for our annual Congress. The theme of the Congress was: Thinking Big. Sharing Ideas. Working Together and that's precisely what we did.
The sit-down afternoon event got started with an inspired talk from Montreal architect and designer, Renee Daoust, principal of Daoust Lestage Inc. Daoust's ideas and big-picture thinking is well regarded internationally. And the proof is in her brilliant work with the Quartier International de Montréal, the CDP Capital Centre and Montreal's new theatre district - Le Quartier des spectacles.
The focus for the Centre City Congress since it was first held a few years ago, has been to invite keynote speakers who can broaden our horizons on myriad levels. Often, city planning and design are at the top of that list because our working, living and playing space have a monumental impact on our city satisfaction. During her speech, Daoust commended Calgary by saying, "You have a fantastic, genius loci and you have to reveal it". She noted we have great "assets" and that the time is definitely now to "seize the moment".
This is precisely what The City of Calgary is working towards with its East Village revitalization, bike lanes, improved pedestrian and vehicle experience with underpasses, public art and even with some unique but invigorating projects like those hugely popular food trucks that have just arrived on the scene.
Below are some of photos of Daoust - with her presentation showcasing how her work has helped to open up Montreal's core to the rest of the city. We were particularly interested in the incorporation of public art and use of light (both natural and artificial) in her design. Take a look at some of what she shared with us:



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