PHI Contemporary
Client
Foundation PHI pour l’art contemporian
Region
Montreal, QC
Area Office
Montreal
Size
58,500 sq. ft.
Sector
Buildings
Sub-Sector
Culture & Recreation
The Story
The PHI Contemporary project is set to become a beacon of culture in Montreal's Old City, blending historic preservation with modern functionality. This new cultural hub will feature white cube, black box and bespoke exhibition spaces, an auditorium, a rooftop terrace with a garden, dedicated education spaces, administrative offices, and a café offer, all integrated within a site that includes three significant heritage buildings: Maison Viger, Maison du Calvet, and Magasin Davies.
The project is dedicated to preserving these historic structures, with plans for extensive masonry restoration and interior renovations to highlight their historical significance while integrating them into the contemporary functions of the institution. A new concrete structure will interconnect these buildings, creating a cohesive cultural space that includes a publicly accessible rooftop garden, a new metal-clad volume for skylit galleries and a pergola for outdoor programming over Magasin Davies.
To overcome challenges like restricted site access in this highly-trafficked neighborhood and the need for structural reinforcement, work will be strategically sequenced. Exterior masonry work will be tackled first, followed by interior upgrades and structural enhancements. Solutions for crane placement and geothermal well access have been carefully planned to ensure smooth progress without affecting the integrity of the existing and surrounding buildings.
Image Credits: Le consortium form/ par Kuehn Malvezzi/Pelletier de Fontenay/Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes.