A public solar-powered hangout lands in the Olympic Park this summer

Aire commune’s Espace solaire is an evolving vision of urban design—and it's got Wi-Fi.

Daniel Bromberg

Daniel Bromberg

April 25, 2025- Read time: 2 min
A public solar-powered hangout lands in the Olympic Park this summerPhotograph: Photo Hélico - Yves Tremblay - Tourisme Montréal

The sprawling concrete landscape of the Olympic Park is where Montreal’s own Aire Commune will unveil its Espace solaire, Quebec’s first fully solar-powered public space. The bright yellow structure offers more than just shade, as it transforms sunshine into electricity while providing a much-needed place to work, meet, or simply relax.

The installation is made up of canopies supported by steel and concrete frames, integrated with comfortable seating areas, work tables, and built-in planter benches. Each unit includes high-speed Wi-Fi, electrical outlets for charging devices, and integrated solar panels to power the entire setup. The modular design creates a series of connected yet distinct spaces, with both covered and open-air seating arranged around central tables.

“L’Espace solaire du Parc olympique marks a key milestone for Aire Commune: our first permanent public space in Montreal,” said Philippe Pelletier, co-founder of Aire Commune, in the official announcement. 

“This project embodies our vision to develop structured, sustainable, and accessible spaces. By fully integrating solar energy into the design, we're demonstrating that it’s possible to combine innovation, conviviality, and energy transition.”

A revitalization of Montreal's East End

With $800,000 in funding from the Quebec government’s Mesure de l’Est program, the project represents a significant investment in eastern Montreal’s development.

According to Pelletier, the Olympic Park location is strategically important as it serves approximately 3,000 employees and countless families and tourists visiting the site. It also functions as an entry point to the East End, an area slated for major revitalization in coming years.

The project represents the latest evolution in Aire Commune’s journey, which began modestly in 2017 with a temporary installation in Mile End. What started as a side project in an empty parking lot—transforming concrete blocks into a gathering place—has grown into an operation with 20 full-time employees working on projects across Canada.

When COVID disrupted their business model, which once relied heavily on events and alcohol sales, the team pivoted by leveraging their design and production expertise. This led to the creation of their Îlots d’été concept—outdoor workspaces with WiFi that addressed pandemic-era needs.

Innovating with public space

Their first Îlot was a simple cabin with power outlets and WiFi, but it proved immensely popular. With public funding, they’ve expanded to more than 40 cabins across ten Montreal boroughs, all free to access from early May through October.

Espace solaire represents the culmination of this evolution—a permanent installation that combines their expertise in placemaking with sustainable technology. Beyond its practical amenities, the space will serve as a showcase for solar energy’s potential in Quebec.

For Aire Commune, whose name literally means “common area,” the project aligns perfectly with their mission of creating innovative public spaces where people can connect. From their DIY beginnings to becoming leaders in urban design, they've maintained their focus on energizing city life through thoughtfully curated spaces.

The project is currently under construction and slated to open in summer 2025.

Refined by design.

Subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly dose of news and events.

SUPPORT THE MAIN

Enjoying what you're reading?

Related articles

J.P. Karwacki

The urban meadow rewriting the map and memory of Montreal

The Ville-Marie Expressway cut its city in two. This civic space honouring 21 women with flowers, architecture, and intention stitches it back together.

Jean Bourbeau @ URBANIA

The Mile End tale of El Greco

Tattoos and redemption: A portrait of an upholsterer on Parc Avenue.

J.P. Karwacki

Can Montreal's Quartier Molson solve the heritage paradox?

How a 238-year-old industrial legacy is being transformed into a waterfront neighbourhood of urban repair.

J.P. Karwacki

The Saint-Henri soundsmith reclaiming how music should feel

How a record store kid slinging wax by day and DJing by night turned his obsession with audio clarity into a speaker company with soul.

Daniel Bromberg

A public solar-powered hangout lands in the Olympic Park this summer

Aire commune’s Espace solaire is an evolving vision of urban design—and it's got Wi-Fi.

J.P. Karwacki

GOODEE's flagship Westmount space combines curated global design with Montreal roots

Step inside Byron and Dexter Peart's world of goods vetted for design excellence, craftsmanship, and positive social and environmental impacts—all in 1,000 square feet.

    We use cookies on our site.