How many buildings do you know that have a chapel as their centerpiece? Right here stands the Pavillon Hubert-Aquin Annexe. It is not just a building. It’s a tapestry of Montreal’s educational and architectural evolution.
The Pavillon Hubert-Aquin Annexe is part of the Universite du Quebec a Montreal UQAM. It embodies the spirit of collaboration. The university campus was realized in three phases. The Pavillon Hubert-Aquin was constructed between 1975 and 1979. The building stands at 400, rue Sainte-Catherine Est. It occupies a space rich with history.
Before the Pavillon Hubert-Aquin, this site was home to Montreal’s first French-language university. It was originally the Universite Laval de Montreal. It later became the Universite de Montreal in 1919. The architects Dimitri Dimakopoulos et Associes and Jodoin, Lamarre, Pratte et Associes designed the Pavillon Hubert-Aquin. In 1980, they earned the Prix d’excellence from the Ordre des architectes du Quebec. Their design respects the neighborhood’s scale and style. It links the present with the past.
Between 1973 and 1975, the university acquired the site. It was a collection of commercial buildings. Only the Renaissance-inspired Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes was preserved. Napoleon Bourassa built the chapel between 1876 and 1880. The Pavillon Hubert-Aquin was built to encircle the chapel. It created a courtyard that showcased the chapel’s rear.
Why is it named Hubert-Aquin? The university community chose to honor Hubert Aquin 1929-1977. Aquin was a filmmaker and writer. He worked at Radio-Canada and the National Film Board. He was also a political activist. Aquin directed the Rassemblement pour l’independance nationale. He later became known for his avant-garde novels.
The Pavillon Hubert-Aquin Annexe has undergone several renovations. The renovations include masonry and window replacements. There were also upgrades to entrances and exits. The library underwent a transformation. The cafeteria area also received an upgrade. The Department of Linguistics was recently renovated.
The campus aimed to blend seamlessly with the city. UQAM is an urban university. It sits above the Berri-UQAM metro station. The architects drew inspiration from Place Ville-Marie’s underground city. They created an open underground circulation system. This includes a four-level agora filled with natural light.
The Pavillon Hubert-Aquin’s architecture reflects transparency and accessibility. The buildings from Phase I are covered in brick. Brick was considered more relatable to the public than gray stone. Later phases incorporated postmodern designs. These designs maintained the commercial character of the area.
The Pavillon Hubert-Aquin Annexe stands as a testament to Montreal’s academic and architectural vision. Its walls echo with history and innovation. It serves as a reminder of the city’s commitment to education. Its unique design connects the past with the present. As you explore its surroundings remember the stories woven into its very foundation.nn