X-shape in spatial language represents a cross and interaction. When individual activities starting from four ends surge and meet with others in the middle, a reaction will happen between them to create new spatial and social typologies in response to multiple demands and lifestyles. Architecture acts as a mixing chamber to enable this interaction in this process. In this design, the specific spatial typology is adopted as an effective tactic to fight against gentrification and weave the crack between the high-brow and low-brow in the local community.

In Montreal and all other cities worldwide, tension is brewing among classes in neighbourhoods as the petard of the gentrification process accompanied by the city renewed masterplan. The transformation of the historic district doesn't bring the local workclass a better quality of life but applies isolation to them, which breeds the vandalism to defend their enclave. The "watchdog" in front of the gallery and whisky bars, the "clip-joint" boutiques, and nail saloon and those "snobbier" dog walkers who love plastic surgery peel off their sense of belonging and chase them further away to the periphery of the city. The community pathetically slip into a nihilistic elitism. In this process, architects are accomplices in adopting those architectural tropes. On one hand, we pertain the historical structure and appearance to show the continuity of cultural roots, but on the other, we adopt all possible approaches to clear up the life trace of poor people in programmes. The city renews finally wages war on poor people, not poverty. 

A new tactic should be involved, putting on the shoes of those low-brow, non-hierarchically and unprecedently juxtaposing old and new. 

[Tactic #1] A local worker had just finished his exhausting day and wanted a sip of beer. It didn't have to be a fancy place as long as the drink was good and the vibe was good. There was a wall painting by Andy Warhol on the rustic brick wall. He was not necessary to know the person, but somehow it made things slightly different—this moment just made his day.

[Tactic #2] A Family store has opened for over 40 years. The business is surprisingly vast: daily groceries, dried-cleaning, records and the owner sometimes even tattooed for regulars. In a corner, there was a small shelf for curated books. Camus and Nietzsche were well-placed on that. Neighbours didn't need to wear well-pants to read those words.

[Tactic #3] Hospital walls have heard prayers more sincere than those whispered in the pews. A prayer room at the corridor's end is serene, witnessing all as souls come and glean.