ARTH 374 - Architecture and Urbanism in Montreal: Montreal's Recycled Architecture

• J - 12:15-14:45
• EV-1.605
• INSTRUCTOR: Stefan Jovanovic
  

The repurposing of existing buildings and structures is a characteristic aspect of architecture and urban redevelopment in Montreal.  This course will examine the theory and practice of adaptive reuse – the conversion of older buildings to new uses while maintaining elements of the original design and structure. As a conservation strategy and sustainable alternative to the demolition and reconstruction of unused buildings, adaptive reuse projects are interesting not only in their application of new designs and functions to obsolete structures, but also in their engagement with the existing physical and social context and the different layers of the city’s architectural past.  Beyond extending the useful life of a building and making use of existing infrastructure, such projects aim to preserve the significant historic character of buildings and urban districts while meeting the changing demands of use, functionality and taste.

Beginning with a historical and typological overview of adaptive reuse as an architectural concept, we will survey the challenges and variables of reuse projects in terms of scale, materiality and physical context, such as the design and execution of structural additions or alterations, the rehabilitation of existing facades and the maintenance of the historic character/aesthetic and cultural identity of the urban landscape, as well as issues around public access to important heritage buildings and the revitalization and gentrification of working neighbourhoods that result from a ‘district’ approach to adaptive reuse and urban redevelopment.  We will then move on to an examination of significant architectural transformations in Montreal that highlight the legacy of the city’s strong religious, commercial and industrial heritage, including churches and other sacred spaces, factories, historic mansions, and exhibition and sporting venues.  In addition to the class lectures, we will undertake site visits to some examples of repurposed architecture in the city.  Students in the course will gain a new awareness of adaptive reuse as an approach to architecture, learn to compare and classify different types of architectural interventions/transformations, and research, study and discuss some important examples of adaptive reuse in Montreal and their relationship to Montreal’s architectural and cultural history.