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Cultural & Administrative Complex of Montreal
(MSO Concert Hall)
°
location: Montreal, Canada
client: Société Immobilière du Québec
Finalist, open & anonymous international architecture competition (among 121 proposals)

°Co-designed/directed by MLauzon Senior Partner NOMADE

The Challenge

The project proposes the reconstruction of the Balmoral block in downtown Montreal to create a multifunctional complex housing the Montreal Symphony Orchestra House, the Montreal Conservatory of Music and Dramatic Arts, and the administrative offices of the Government of Quebec.

The Response

The concept, known as the "Cultural Cathedral," is realized through four concrete actions: reconstructing the perimeter of the block with a continuous base structure, clearly marking the three civic entrances for each constituent part (the Conservatory on Ste-Catherine, the OSM on de Maisonneuve, and the government offices on Bleury), creating an outdoor urban space in front of the Imperial Cinema, and defining identifiable urban features. This last action gives rise to the "Nave," the main interior space that links the components along a north-south axis, bringing together all performance and production spaces, which are suspended within this area to embody the architectural expression of harmony in music.

Expertise(s)

PROJECT INCUBATOR, DESIGN & INNOVATION

Market(s)

Mixed-Use Complex featuring Montreal Orchestra Symphonic Hall, Drama & Music Conservatories and new provincial government headquaters.

Distinctions

Finalist Open Anonymous International Competition (among 121 proposals)

Selected Press

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