Picture this. A grand building stands before you. This is the Pavillon de la faculté de l’aménagement. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to Montreal’s dedication to design and urban planning.
The Pavillon de la faculté de l’aménagement has a rich history. It began its life in 1936. The Sisters Missionnaires de l’Immaculée Conception built it. It served as their motherhouse. Their mission was to help the less fortunate. They worked in various fields including pastoral care education health and social work. The building itself reflects the conventional institutional architecture of its time. It’s symmetrical with a buff brick facade. An expansion in 1958 by architect Gaston Gagnier maintained this original architectural style.
However the building’s story took a new turn. The religious order eventually left the building. In 1976 the last sisters departed. The University of Montreal saw an opportunity. They leased the building to house their new Faculty of Environmental Design. This was a momentous shift. A new chapter in the building’s history began. A chapter dedicated to education innovation and shaping the future of urban spaces.
In 1995 the University purchased the building outright. They undertook a major renovation project. They chose Saucier + Perrotte Architects and Menkès Shooner Dagenais Architects. The result was nothing short of spectacular. The project included adding a wing to the rear of the existing building. They also enlarged and added windows to the main and left side elevations. The use of glass and metal is characteristic of contemporary architecture. This clever design beautifully unites the building’s past and present. A new green public space now graces the rear replacing a parking lot. This green space blends the building into the neighborhood. The landscaping also helps mitigate the impact of the construction of a nearby building that destroyed a woodland.
The Pavillon de la faculté de l’aménagement stands as a beacon. It’s a place where students learn to shape the future. Its classrooms workshops and exhibition spaces all serve the pedagogy of environmental design disciplines. Light floods the workshops offering stunning views of the main campus nestled in the mountain. Its location close to public transportation adds to its convenience. Within these walls students find everything they need to excel in their studies. The Pavillon de la faculté de l’aménagement is more than just a building. It’s a living legacy. A symbol of Montreal’s commitment to urban development.