Located in the historic and nature-inspired district of Mount Royal, the Saint-Joseph Oratory of Mount Royal is a highly emblematic landmark in the city of Montreal. Welcoming more than two million visitors each year, it is one of the most visited sites in Quebec. By its iconic aspect, the project required an architectural and landscaped response made with finesse and respect. The result is a new contemporary and architectural identity for both Oratory users and Mount Royal lovers.
With the new welcome pavilion, this Montreal icon now has its official ground-level entrance that extends along the mountainside over 5,000 m² spread across four floors, up to the Oratory. As you ascend through the interior of the project, which highlights the mineral quality of the concrete, you’ll find a shop, a glassed-in cafeteria overlooking a new forecourt, a versatile meeting room with a capacity of 200 to 300 people, as well as relaxation spaces.
In addition to the concrete structure and the steel bell tower, ELEMA also carried out the structural design of the new skylight. We have designed a total of 12 glass compositions and geometries, together forming a large skylight and an underground walkway.
