Handmaker’s Factory, Montréal – ST

HANDMAKER'S FACTORY, LA PETITE–BOURGOGNE, MONTRÉAL

Handmaker's Factory is a Montréal - based print and craft studio, originally founded in Melbourne, Australia. The studio’s central theme is "living and breathing craft" as a means to nurture both the mind and soul.

Brief

A design for a new mixed use space was called for, located in the vibrant Little Burgundy neighbourhood, Montréal.

The studio hosts workshops both in-house and at schools, colleges, museums, community centres, and private events. These workshops attract those looking to unplug from screens and engage with hands-on creativity, including teachers seeking professional development, and children in particular, who love creating with their hands. The workshops prioritize environmental sustainability, utilizing recycled and reused materials, and minimizing chemical use. The space is easily accessible, offering a welcoming environment for all.

A gallery and retail space will further promote the workshop, and visitors can purchase craft supplies and handmade prints, ceramics and selected pieces.

Visitors can relax in the café space, which will comfortably accomodate children and adults and also offer takeaway coffee and snacks for passers by.

Coworking space will be provided for 4 people, a reception area for bookings and advice, meeting space for staff, a private office space with kitchenette for staff and a rooftop terrace for the public to enjoy.

Background

Little Burgundy is one of Montréal's most multicultural neighborhoods, home to over 80 ethnic groups. Once a bustling industrial hub and the heart of Canada’s jazz scene, it was known as the "Harlem of the North," where legends like Frank Sinatra and Dizzy Gillespie performed. Today, Little Burgundy retains its rich cultural history while offering attractions like Atwater Market, known for its artisanal foods, locally produced cheeses, and high-quality meats. The area is part of the Canal District, alongside Griffintown and Saint Henri, contributing to Montréal’s unique character.

Historically, the Lachine Canal served as a major gateway for North American trade, particularly to Chicago and Detroit, and was central to Canada’s Industrial Revolution. Over the years, urban renewal transformed the area. Slums were cleared in the 1960s to make way for highways and public housing, with the name "Little Burgundy" being part of this redevelopment. This area, including Chinatown, was one of Montréal’s first multiracial neighborhoods, marking the beginning of the city’s diverse modern identity.

Montréal, the largest city in Quebec, blends historic industrial buildings with cutting-edge designs, reflecting its reputation as a UNESCO City of Design. The city features a rich mix of architecture, including Palladian, Beaux Arts, Victorian, and Art Deco styles. Distinctive laneways, or Ruelles, add to the city’s charm, while painted murals and signage are protected as part of the city's historic fabric. Many of Montréal's buildings, especially mixed use converted warehouses, maintain original features like hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and grey stone facades, offering a balance of heritage and modern functionality.

CLIENT DETAILS

West Dean College/KLC School of Design, London (2023)

CONCEPT

Hidden Mélodie

The Shape of Little Burgundy

Abstract modelling for this concept looked at the shapes formed by the street map of the neighbourhood. Inspired by the history of jazz, layers of urban renewal and the hidden mélodie woven into the fabric of the community, over sixty pieces were die cut and both the positive and negative forms were examined. The shapes reflect the complexity of urban change and the interconnectedness of the community and can also be used to highlight how the neighbourhood’s evolving structure is shaped by its people, offering insight into its history and collective identity.

OUTDOOR TERRACE

Insert rooftop terrace here....

URBAN RENEWAL

La ruelle vertes la petite - bourgogne

Montreal's ruelles vertes (green alleys) showcase the power of urban innovation and community action, turning neglected alleys into vibrant, sustainable sanctuaries that reconnect residents with nature. Since receiving municipal support in 1997, with grants of $10,000 to $20,000 per block, these alleys have flourished, blending biodiversity, pedestrian-friendly environments, and a deep sense of community.

Today, Éco-quartiers serve nearly 80% of Montreal’s population across 19 boroughs. The ruelles vertes feature lush plant life, eco-friendly installations like rainwater collectors, compost bins, and insect hotels. Creative elements such as murals, self-service libraries, and whimsical birdhouses add character. These spaces reflect Montreal's commitment to environmental stewardship, artistic expression, and fostering social connections, transforming urban life with nature and creativity at its heart.

Greening laneways Melbourne

City laneways in Melbourne offer significant potential for greening, transforming into vibrant, green spaces. With over 400 laneways in the central city and additional ones in surrounding neighbourhoods, the opportunities for laneway greening are vast. The Green Your Laneway program, a pioneering initiative, was established to test if greening could enhance urban amenity, cool the city, attract visitors, and support community wellbeing and social cohesion.

The program, which included the development of an interactive map to identify ideal greening sites, led to the transformation of four laneways—Katherine Place, Meyers Place, Guildford Lane, and Coromandel Place—completed in 2017. In 2023, these projects were evaluated, resulting in three models for future laneway greening:

Community-led greening:

Empowering locals to implement small-scale greening on Council-owned laneway footpaths.

Community and business-led greening:

Providing co-funding for private greening on building facades and walls.

Council-driven projects:

Continuing greening initiatives identified and implemented by the City of Melbourne. These models aim to create sustainable, inclusive, and lasting greening throughout the city.