From the idea to Piazza di Mano
At first, the thinking mostly turned around one question: how should this public lot be used? What would residents want for their neighbourhood? The answer quickly became clear: a place to sit, to take time, to meet — alone or with neighbours.
Thanks to the ties Corridor Culturel and MR-63 have built across the area, working with Mano Cornuto was an obvious way to take the project from concept to reality. And since the City of Montréal also plans to create a park on this lot, everything was in place to imagine a true living space, open to the neighbourhood.
Then everything had to be designed, then built. From furniture to greenery, lighting to wayfinding. The Corridor led this complex project with the City and its partners, to create a public square in the heart of the neighbourhood. A collective project that local people took part in, pitching in with the layout and planting.
How is the Corridor involved in the project?
This is at the heart of Corridor Culturel’s work: bringing cultural venues, public spaces, and the people who animate them closer together. Its route, which runs through the Sud-Ouest and Old Montréal, aims to make public space more lively and more accessible to everyone. Sometimes that takes the form of an artwork or an event; here, it’s a square where you can sit and spend a good moment together.
It’s your turn to enjoy it!
A square like this only really comes to life when you occupy it. So now it’s your turn to bring Piazza di Mano to life: drop by for a slush, play a game of pétanque, or simply soak up the sun.
On site, Mano Cornuto is at the table Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 11 p.m.: for drinks, lunch, or a late-afternoon snack, any time is a good time to try the menu.
And this is only the beginning! By fall, more outdoor gatherings will be added: raffles, DJ nights.
Until then, just stop by — and stay a little longer than you planned.
