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A Monumental Mural for District Central
A colorful, vibrant mural enhanced by structural components: this is how Lignes de vie urbaine (Urban Lifelines) is taking root at the corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Louvain Street West. Part of the District Central’s Signature Intervention Plan, this initiative—led by MURAL in collaboration with the Société de développement commercial (SDC) District Central—transforms the urban landscape while reflecting the neighborhood's values.
Created by DALKHAFINE, Lignes de vie urbaine contrasts with its concrete surroundings and rectilinear buildings. This was exactly what the multidisciplinary Montreal artist was aiming for when designing her work.
"The female character at the center creates a link between nature, humanity, and ecology," she explains. "I like the idea of her holding the sunflower in her hand to showcase it, almost as if it's being celebrated. I also included a bee and a butterfly in the mural, which are very important pollinators for biodiversity."
These elements are also at the heart of the Signature Intervention Plan, which notably led to the creation of La Prairie Louvain in 2023—a field of 10,000 sunflowers where bees came to forage.
In addition to wanting a large-scale mural, the SDC District Central wished to showcase the neighborhood's innovative character. "We decided to take mural art to another level by adding a 3D sculptural component," explains Marc-André Carignan, Lead, Signature Urban Planning for the District Central. "It’s not an illusion: aluminum leaves literally project from the wall in certain sections."
A Strategic Project and Location
The artwork was created in a strategic location that will ensure high visibility. An average of over 10,000 vehicles pass daily in front of the building at 9494 Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Additionally, the mural will catch the eye of passengers riding the EXO trains (Line 15 Mascouche–Gare Centrale).
The location of the piece is crucial to achieving the goals of the District Central’s Signature Intervention Plan, which was adopted to revitalize the area and create a more stimulating ecosystem for employers and workers. "It includes various areas of focus, such as urban development, landscaping, and urban art, which is a very important lever for the neighborhood's revitalization," explains Marc-André Carignan. "It showcases Montreal artists while bringing a touch of beauty and magic to the District Central."
A cultural mediation activity with the artist was also organized last summer, with local organizations including Pause Famille and Collectif Bienvenue taking part. "This is very important, because we are trying to build connections between people in the District Central," notes Marc-André Carignan. "And it helps democratize art."
"Art invites itself into the street, so it's accessible to everyone," DALKHAFINE shares enthusiastically. "That is very important to me."
This project, spearheaded by MURAL, secured funding from the Ville de Montréal’s Mural Art Program (PAM). It was carried out in partnership with the SDC District Central, the property owner Groupe Dayan, and the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.
Source : Journal des voisins – Partner content
This article is adapted from the original text by Martine Letarte, published in Journal des voisins.
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