MONTRÉAL, May 12, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - On the evening of May 11, 20 Montréal businesses and designers were declared winners of this year's Commerce Design Montréal Awards, an initiative of the Ville de Montréal to honour the work of professionals in the fields of design and architecture and to reward Montréal merchants who have invested in designing or renovating their premises. The winners were chosen by a jury of design and retail experts, chaired by Nathalie Bondil, Director and Chief Curator of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Until August 31, members of the public will be able to cast a vote for their favourite business among the 20 winning designs, and they can meet the designers in person during the "Veni. Vidi. Vote!" weekend on June 13–14.
"These prizes speak volumes about Montréal's creativity, which is renowned all over the world," said Hélène David, Québec's Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language. "I congratulate the designers and architects behind these exceptional transformations, as well as the business owners who decided to make their premises more attractive." She added: "These successful initiatives improve the retail experience for consumers and have a positive impact on quality of life for everyone."
Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre noted: "Good design is a determining factor in improving competitiveness. It also enhances the vitality and attractiveness of commercial arteries and generates tangible economic benefits for the merchants as well as creative professionals involved." He added: "Indeed, wherever the Commerce Design concept has been implemented, the result has been the same as in Montréal: a ripple effect among neighbouring businesses. When we lead by example, we can convince the business community to harness design as a way to stand out. The 20 winning businesses are true ambassadors of quality in planning and design, and help reinforce Montréal's reputation as a UNESCO City of Design. Our wish is to see this kind of quality spread all across the city; we hope these awards will inspire other merchants to invest in the design of their premises."
2015 Jury Prizes
Spread across seven boroughs, the businesses showcased in this new edition present a wide diversity of commercial offerings, styles, floor space and size. The members of the jury chaired by Ms. Bondil included Benoît Dupuis, architect; Jean-Pierre Généreux, architect and Vice-President, Brand and Concept Development, Aldo Group; Jessica Rivière-Gomez, interior designer and founder of Index-Design; and Marie-Hélène Trottier, graphic designer and Creative Director, Jump&Love.
Among the main trends observed are the preponderance of recycling, use and reuse of raw and noble materials (wood, copper, concrete) and the choice of warm colours. The designers have streamlined and refreshed the spaces, revealing traces of the past.
"Veni. Vidi. Vote!" weekend
On June 13 and 14, Montrealers are invited to explore the 20 winning businesses and their newly minted premises. The design professionals behind the projects will be on hand to greet visitors and customers and to explain their creative process. Until August 31, 2015, members of the public will be able to vote for their favourite business at one of the 20 locations being showcased or online at commercedesignmontreal.com. The winner of the Choix du public (People's Choice Award) will be announced on September 14.
A uniquely Montréal concept
This year, the Ville de Montréal is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Commerce Design Montréal Awards, a made-in-Montréal initiative that has been successfully implemented over the past 10 years and more in several European, Canadian and U.S. cities.
Organizers
Commerce Design Montréal is a design-awareness program aimed at the business community and is managed by the Bureau du design, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal's commercial development team. Funded by the Ville de Montréal and the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec under the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal, the program helps fulfil the city's mission of enhancing the value of its territory and contributing to its economic and cultural development.
For information: www.commercedesignmontreal.com
Photos: mtlunescodesign.photoshelter.com (password: CDM2015)
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SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif
Image with caption: "From left to right: Cahier d'Exercices, Winner 2015 Jury Grand Prize: Lia Ruccolo, architect, Saucier + Perrotte; Laura Gurandiano, shopp owner Cahier d'Exercices; Gilles Saucier, Associate Architect, Saucier + Perrotte; Manon Gauthier, Member of the Executive Committee responsable for Culture, Heritage, Design, Space for Life and Status of Women, Ville de Montréal. (CNW Group/Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150512_C5428_PHOTO_EN_16529.jpg
Sources: Catherine Maurice, Press Attaché, Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee, Ville de Montréal, 514 346-7598; Philip Proulx, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language, 418 380-2310; Stéphanie Jecrois, Design Commissioner, Bureau du design de la Ville de Montréal, 514 872-5388; Media relations: Anne Dongois Communications, [email protected], 514 826-2050
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