by ArchitectureWeek

In case the city of Montréal, Québec needed a kickstart into the 21st century, it certainly has one now. The colorful expansion of the Palais des Congrès doubles the size of the existing convention center and puts the city on notice that sober limestone and granite are being challenged as the urban norm.

The colored-glass box was designed by a collaboration of Tétreault, Parent, Languedoc et Associés with Saïa et Barbarese Architectes, Ædifica, and Hal Ingberg Architect. Nearly the entire southwest facade is made up of vertical panes of alternating pink, chartreuse, blue, and yellow glazing.

The result is infectious: when sunlight strikes the skin, adjacent spaces, both interior and exterior, reflect the many colors. The 5- by 12-foot (1.5- by 3.6-meter) vertical panels were detailed so that horizontal and vertical mullions are not visible from the outside.   >>>

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Expansion of the Palais des Congrès de Montréal designed by a collaboration of Tétreault, Parent, Languedoc et Associés with Saïa et Barbarese Architectes, Ædifica, and Hal Ingberg Architect. Photo: Hal Ingberg Architect Colorful glass facade along Rue de Bleury. Photo: Hal Ingberg Architect   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.