Photo credits: James Brittain, Stephane Brügger, Olivier Blouin, Nanne Springer
In the heart of Montreal, Canada, the Port of Montréal Tower and Grand Quai, a collaborative project by Provencher_Roy and NIPPAYSAGE, stands tall as a symbol of revitalization. Let’s explore the stunning metamorphosis of this waterfront landscape.
The Tower’s Majestic Ascent
Photo credit: Provencher_Roy Soaring 65 meters high, the Port of Montréal Tower, crafted by Provencher_Roy, is a beacon of transformation, offering breathtaking views of the city and the majestic Saint-Lawrence River. Acting as a visual landmark, it welcomes visitors by boat and marks the entrance to the Port, becoming an iconic presence in Old Montréal’s pedestrian zones.
Connecting City and Waterfront
Photo credit: Provencher_Roy With daring cantilevers, the tower overlooks an elevated promenade, reconnecting the city to its waterfront. This elevated space serves as a meeting point, anchoring a redeveloped riverwalk and creating a unique urban gathering place at the tip of the quay, known as the Place des commencements.
A Panoramic Vista
Photo credit: Provencher_Roy The Tower’s cantilever design not only adds a distinctive silhouette but also opens up 360-degree views. From the top, landmarks like Habitat 67, Silo No.5, Basilique Notre-Dame, and Mount Royal unfold in all directions. An observation deck, 55 meters above the quay, offers visitors arriving by cruise ship an unforgettable introduction to Montréal.
Sculptural Elegance: The Helicoid Staircase
Photo credit: Olivier Blouin A sculptural helicoid staircase rises from the observation deck to a belvedere, providing a glass-chambered perch for visitors to step out over the water. Wrapped in gold-colored balustrades, the staircase pays homage to Montréal’s 19th-century exterior stairways, resembling crowns of wheat plants, the port’s historical export.
Industrial Heritage Reimagined
The Tower’s design reflects the site’s industrial past, once home to grain-storing hangars. The structure, with visible steel and concrete elements, pays homage to the monumental industrial forms that shaped the port’s history.
