Montréal's visual identity relies mainly on the perception of its Centre, which is, in some respects, its showcase. The image of the Centre is, in turn, shaped by the quality of its architecture, streets and public places, which should reflect and enhance its liveability.

In this context, each new building in the Centre must make a positive contribution to the City's image. High-quality design of public spaces should provide a model for public and private projects elsewhere. The quality of projects that affect the built environment is especially important, it will shape the experience of visitors and residents over the long term.

Some areas that are not otherwise devoid of interest have been rendered bland and uninspiring by earlier actions. Similarly, the presence of vacant lots and surface parking lots degrades the environment of some busy Centre streets, even in areas as prestigious as the CBD.

The Ville-Marie and Bonaventure expressways divide major areas of activity that should be better connected. The first impression that many people get of the Centre is what they see while commuting to work along these expressways: unimpressive and unstructured spaces.

Private real estate development and public actions must be coordinated so that the Centre's built environment gains cohesiveness and asserts its overall character. The Plan identifies four actions to steer the Centre's development in that direction.

The Plan sets forth four actions relative to the Centre’s coherence and overall urban character:

7.1

Ensure high-quality architecture and design of the Centre See this action

7.2

Develop the Centre’s unbuilt lots See this action

7.3

Guide the development of the indoor pedestrian network See this action

7.4

Reinforce or improve the character of some key roadways in the Centre See this action