December 5th, 2018 – Among the 14 projects selected by the 2018 Canadian Architect Awards committee is the collaboration between Architecture49 and Atelier TAG for the development of the Saint-Joseph’s Oratory Museum and Dome. Indeed, the consortium was awarded one of the five Merit Awards in this 51st year of the competition.

The project aims to provide access to the lantern of the Oratory, the highest ranking place on the Island of Montreal. It offers a unique 360-degree view of the city: from the top of Mount Royal Hill to the sparkling lights of downtown to the St. Lawrence River running south.

To access this view, the architects have the task of making accessible the inner-dome to the public, a space that is currently empty. The structural complexity of this development will be reduced by the addition of a metallic mesh inside the dome, covering the electromechanical and technical installations necessary for the new vocation of the site. This veil thus redirects the visitors’ attention to the dome itself so that the focal point of the visit is wonder at the sublime nature of this spiritual and historical journey.

Congratulations to the whole team for this prestigious award!