Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes - From Function to Sustainable Art - The YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport P4 Parking Facility Welcomes a World in Motion - Dorval - Canada

2025-07-16

Designed in consortium by Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes and Lemay, the P4 multi-level parking facility at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport addresses current parking needs for travelers while setting new standards in flexibility, sustainability, and climate resilience. With a total area of 111,484 m², it offers more than 2,800 proximity parking spaces distributed across four levels.

A sustainable infrastructure project shaping a promising future for mobility

Featuring two striking helical ramps on the façade, a width of 76 meters, a height of 21 meters, a depth of 372 meters extending toward Highway 20, and a ground footprint of 28,545 m², the structure establishes a bold architectural presence, visible from the terminal. Its perforated anodized aluminum envelope acts as a kinetic screen: it transforms the movement of vehicles into a play of light that reflects Montreal's creative character, while also protecting the interior from the elements and allowing natural ventilation.

As part of the infrastructure development plan implemented amid sustained passenger traffic growth and the airport's future vision—which notably includes a REM station and a connection centre—the P4 parking facility demonstrates great adaptability through its universal structural grid and minimum floor-to-floor height of 4 meters. This thoughtful design enables the future integration of new functions, such as office spaces. The site also offers well-considered amenities, including charging stations and user assistance zones, and will soon integrate car rental services. A dedicated shuttle service connects the building to the terminal, improving accessibility for travelers.

Designed as a pilot project, the P4 parking facility incorporates forward-thinking features intended for implementation in future airport developments. Its sustainable strategies include the use of recycled and locally sourced materials, rooftop solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and a white and green roof that helps reduce the urban heat island effect while fostering biodiversity. Extensive research supported the development of maintenance-free green strips on the roof, as well as an automated driver orientation system to minimize unnecessary circulation and reduce the risk of accidents. To further enhance the building’s natural integration, landscaped areas surround the facility, helping to soften its substantial volume and giving it a sense of lightness. These sustainable design elements support the airport’s effort to achieve Envision Silver certification.

The project’s innovative design was recently recognized with a Silver Award from the International Design Awards (IDA) in the "Architecture Project Development / Industrial / Infrastructure" category, celebrating both its architectural quality and its commitment to sustainability.

Since its opening, the P4 parking facility has quickly become an efficient and well-received transportation hub, ready to evolve alongside the airport’s future needs.

About Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes

Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes devotes its practice to the design of sustainable, community-structuring architectural projects—mainly in the institutional fields of healthcare, transportation, education, culture, and research—as well as large-scale corporate and government projects. The firm strives to design architecture that is humane, sensitive, intelligent, and respectful of its environment, combining creativity, knowledge, and innovation. In a culture of collaboration, inclusion, integrity, and thoroughness, it values the diversity and complementarity of the skills and expertise of the members of its large team.

Founded in 1958 by Bernard Jodoin, Denis Lamarre and Gérard Pratte, Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes is now a team of over 200 architects, technologists, designers and other professionals under the direction of Julie Boucher, Michel Broz, Catherine Demers, Martine Gévry, Sylvain Morrier and Nicolas Ranger.

About Lemay

Lemay has been imagining new ways to create spaces that engage users and bring people together since 1957. Over 400 architects, designers, industry leaders, and change-makers work tirelessly to cultivate innovation in their own backyards and in communities around the world. Inspired and strengthened by transdisciplinary creativity, the firm has also developed its very own NET POSITIVETM approach to guide teams towards sustainable solutions that shape a better future. With people's experience at its heart, Lemay strives to design with empathy and create spaces to grow.

Photo credit: Adrien Williams - Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes and Lemay in consortium