10 Cool Things To Do in Montreal Only Locals Know About
Montreal
Montreal is an enchanting city known for its vibrant culture, art, and cuisine. But it also has a unique architectural style that stands out from the rest. Brutalism is a bold, utilitarian style of architecture that is recognizable for its raw concrete surfaces and aggressive geometric forms. It has become a popular style in Montreal and there are many examples of this type of architecture to be found throughout the city.
To begin, let us take a tour of some of Montreal’s most iconic brutalist landmarks. The first stop is the Place Ville Marie, an office complex located in downtown Montreal. It was designed by architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1962. The building’s most iconic feature is its inverted pyramid design which is visible from a distance. The complex is composed of four interconnected towers, each with its own distinct style. The towers are connected by a series of walkways, staircases, and gardens, making this a great place to explore.
Next on our tour is the Habitat 67, a residential complex designed by Moshe Safdie and completed in 1967. It is composed of 354 interconnected prefabricated concrete modules and is considered one of the most important examples of brutalist architecture in the world. The complex offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The third stop on our tour is the iconic Montreal Olympic Stadium, designed by French architect Roger Taillibert and completed in 1976. This stadium is an impressive feat of engineering and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. The stadium is composed of three distinct sections that create an impressive visual effect from afar. Its unique design is often compared to a spaceship and is the perfect example of Montreal’s brutalist architecture.
The fourth stop on our tour is the Montreal Science Centre, designed by French architect Frederic Schwartz and completed in 1991. This impressive building was designed to be an interactive educational centre and is composed of three main structures. The main building has a unique shape that resembles a giant hourglass, while the other two structures are composed of raw concrete and glass. The complex is a great place to explore and learn more about science and technology.
Finally, our tour ends at the Université de Montréal, designed by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier and completed in 2000. This university is composed of two distinct buildings, the main tower