HEC Montréal, Édifice Decelles

“Premier Bourassa attending an inauguration during the October Crisis? It sounds unbelievable, but it happened right here at HEC Montréal, Édifice Decelles.” HEC Montréal, Édifice Decelles stands as a testament to resilience and ambition. It was inaugurated on November 15, 1970, amidst the turmoil of the October Crisis. Even Premier Robert Bourassa himself recognized the importance of this event and attended the inauguration. This Brutalist-style building, designed by architect Roland Dumais, was the second home of HEC Montréal. The first was the Gilles-Hocquart building. From 1970 and for the next 25 years, Édifice Decelles was the sole address of HEC Montréal until the Côte-Ste-Catherine building opened in 1996. The building’s stark concrete exterior earned it the nickname “The Bunker.” However, its unique design also drew acclaim. The Association des Architectes declared it a “remarkable Canadian model” of Brutalist architecture shortly after its completion. It also received a Design Canada award in 1971. In 2013, HEC Montréal, Édifice Decelles underwent significant renovations led by Provencher_Roy architects. These renovations not only modernized the building but also earned it an Excellence in Architecture award. The renovations breathed new life into the structure. They softened the severe concrete lines and brought in more natural light. Today, HEC Montréal, Édifice Decelles continues to be a vital part of the HEC Montréal campus. It stands as a symbol of the school’s enduring commitment to education and innovation. It also serves as a reminder of a pivotal moment in Quebec’s history.