Back in the dead of winter, I did a short post that included a photo of the austere, East-facing wall of the Palais de Justice. My immediate reaction was one of disgust, but I quickly learned that this distinct architectural has both critics and fans and a story worth telling. The debate sparked by this post revealed to me the passion and knowledge that many Montrealers have for architectural issues; to date, there are 35 comments on that post. As someone who approaches architecture from a fairly pedestrian point of view–both literally and figuratively–I learned a great deal from the debate that ensued, among things that the term “Brutalism” comes from “béton brut,” not “brutal (thanks, MB).
However, the debate did not end on Spacing Montreal. Souha Tahrani, a Ph.D student in architecture, has been reflecting on this wall for some time on her blog and has taken the comments on Spacing Montreal to heart in coming up with creative ways to bring some life to this space. Her blog reflects this creative process through a series of intriguing sketches and renderings alongside her musings about the site. She describes her process as two-fold:
L’étude du mur et son entourage : j’ai effectué dans ce sens des observations in situ et une analyse de l’espace sur différentes dimensions (historique, spatiale, visuelle, etc.). Le croisement des données m’a permis de bien comprendre le contexte du mur, son influence sur le lieu et ses besoins.
L’étude du public a pris une autre dimension : l’accès aux avis du public était une réelle problématique. Cependant, grâce aux outils de communication par Internet, le blog sur le paysage urbain de Montréal « Spacing Montreal » et le post critique sur le mur du Palais de Justice ont offert un medium de communication assez intéressant.
I wanted to share Souha’s work with Spacing Montreal’s readers not only to give advance notice that Champ de Mars may look drastically diferent one day in the future (the Mayor, too, shares her concern with this wall), but also as evidence that the comments posted on the blog are being seriously considered by those who will play a role in (re)shaping our city. In some online communities, discussion forums seem like an escape from “real life”, but it is increasingly clear that the dialogue about public space on Spacing Montreal is, appropriately enough, a public one. May the discussion continue.
8 comments
I don’t think the design fits in well with the historical character of the Champ de Mars. The nice thing about the brutalist wall is that it inflicts minimal damage (for a monstrous edifice, at least!) on the historical feel of the area…
Could be Barott… At the time of design, the Old Ernest I. Barott followed his son at Barott David & Boulva. Meaning the same architect who designed the Aldred, Théatre St-Denis, Canada Cement on Square Phillips ands Bell headquarters on Beaverhall, would have been on the design comittees of the Palais de Justice, Banque national tower on Place d’Armes and Théatre maisonneuve. Did you know that Barott David Boulva was the execution architect for Habitat 67 ?
I will give a presentation on Ernest Barott for the Montreal International Art Deco congress next tuesday.
I don’t have a problem with this building. I think it’d quite elegant, employing quality materials, and is a perfect fit for the area. It is hardly a skyscraper.
I don’t buy into the idea that everything has to always “fit” a neighborhood. That often results in watered-down architecture that is nothing but forgettable. Worse, we miss the opportunity to create visual interest and a fascinating urban fabric. And indeed, the fact that the Palais is still controversial in 2009 means that it was a success. I am also one who believes that 500 Place d’Armes is also a stunning building in both design and placement.
I like the building as it is. I like the blank wall – reminiscent of the UN building in NYC. Its quite an act of will to leave a facade blank like this. A fitting echo of the force of law ? Must all buildings appear as friendly and transparent? Should we start painting tombstones pink?
I agree that “fitting in” is “watering down” and also that any additions should dialogue well with the existing participants (facade, mass, silhouette, etc). Maybe the “modulus” of le Corbusier is timeless after all.
Please leave this wall be, it is spectacular. If one wants rainbows of glass they can simply look at the Palais des Congres. I think this grey wall is perfect and pure. If money is to be spent in “beautifying” something, I am sure there are better places to spend it, like covering the Hilton Garden Inn with a giant grey tarp.
The most beautiful thing of this building is this huge massive wall. It evokes power, solidity and stability. I hope it stays as it is.
The building is fine. I am strong supporter that blending in a historical neighbourhood does not equal neo-classical architecture. BTW the west wall is the same as the east wall and does not look good against the skyline. I have been working in couple of office buildings downtown and am considering moving in a new condo tower downtown on the 16th floor. It is a eye sore as far as the view goes. The proportions of the wall by itself are not good. From afar it looks like a dead facade attached to the La Press building. You almost hope that they will build some extra floors on top of La Press to cover it.