Team announced for Montreal’s Saint Joseph’s Oratory development project

One of the largest domes in the world, an observatory will be created at the top of the Basilica.

The Saint Joseph’s Oratory revealed the winning team of the multidisciplinary architectural competition launched last December. Eighteen teams participated in the two-step selection process.

The winning team includes:

• Atelier TAG and Architecture49 (architects)
• SDK et associés Inc (structural engineers)
• Stantec (electromechanical engineers)
• GSM Project, visitor experience designers
• CS Design, lighting consultant

The competition was for the final stage of a long-term redevelopment project at Canada’s largest church, with this phase slated to start in 2020.

The winning project will showcase the inside of the Basilica’s dome and create an observatory at the top, giving access to Montréal’s highest vista.

The major development will require a total investment of nearly $80 million, with the Government of Canada contributing nearly $22 million, and the Government of Québec investing over $30.8 million. The City of Montréal also confirmed a $10 million contribution. With the support of its Foundation, Saint Joseph’s Oratory will assume the remaining costs, totalling over $17.2 million.

“Investing in cultural infrastructure helps build strong communities and support economic growth,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and MP for Ahuntsic-Cartierville. “Congratulations to the winners of this architectural contest who will bring to life the vision for a refurbished dome at Saint Joseph’s Oratory Basilica. The completed work will highlight the site’s historic and cultural heritage and enhance the visitor experience, contributing to tourism growth in Montréal.”

“The Government of Québec is thrilled to invest in the enhancement of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, a historical jewel and an iconic landmark of both the Outremont borough and Montréal. Upon its completion, the Basilica’s new dome will further increase the city’s appeal and cement its status, and that of Québec, within the international tourist circuit,” said Ms. Hélène David, Minister responsible for Higher Education, Minister responsible for the Status of Women and MNA for Outremont, on behalf of Mr. Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region.

The proposed experience features a pathway through the museum and inside the dome, extending the Oratory’s pilgrimage experience during an ascent that is physical, historical and spiritual.

The proposed architectural layout will take the form of a drapery that reveals the Oratory’s different construction periods, and defines while unifying the experience throughout the pathway.

The staging, materials and architecture will work together to guide the visitors through the various stages of the ascent, creating an intimate experience with the space that will be interpreted in a personal way for each visitor and act as a tool for discovering the self and the world.

“The selected project honours the importance of having a design that aligns with the historic mission of Saint Joseph’sOratory of Mount Royal and finds an exemplary way to achieve the vision of those who first built the Basilica,” said Father Claude Grou, C.S.C., rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory. “Visitors to the sanctuary will be able to discover the inside of this massive dome during their contemplative ascent and appreciate the sheer size of the site and the breathtaking view of the city from the lantern.”