This work of art includes seven bronze-plated columns, a central column made of translucent concrete in the shape of twisting cubes that are illuminated at nightfall, as well as seven granite forms that extend 0.3 to 0.6 m above the ground.

ELEMA had the opportunity to collaborate with artist Philippe Allard and architect Justin Duchesneau.  Funded by the new Brigade Arts Affaires de Montréal (BAAM), this founding project was created to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the City of Montréal. Erected at the intersection of Sherbrooke Street West and McTavish Street, this hybrid sculpture made from bronze, granite, and fibre optics is a dedication to Mount Royal and the energy emitted by the mountain.

‘’We wanted a work of art having a human scale, so that the public could interact with the sculpture, touch it, and even sit on it, embracing art in all of its forms’’ said councillor Manon Gauthier.

Our firm collaborated with both artists to support them in the structural design of the monolithic forms, taking into account their presence and permanence in the public realm.

Technical challenges :

• Designing the internal skeleton for each monolithic shape while maintaining their delicate form and addressing physical parameters (for example, lateral loads created by snow clearing equipment)
• Artistic constraints that factored into the design.

Notable solutions and innovations :

• Use of an internal backbone structure comprised of structural steel.