Canal Plaza

Portland, Maine

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MBLA collaborated with Canal 5 Studio to address various ways to improve this underused and often dreary urban plaza in downtown Portland, Maine. A small curved pavilion gives the plaza a strong street presence while a field of granite pavers with integrated lights acts to tie the space together. The light color of the pavers downplays the sometimes overwhelming shade cast by the buildings and allows for trees, benches and pavilion to float freely as independent elements. Entering into the heart of the plaza the large bench acts as a permanent gathering space while areas for movable seating options have been provided for flexibility of use.