The recent renovation of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal in Montreal, Qc., blends contemporary styles with heritage through the use of bronze bells and exposed metal framing.
At the heart of this landmark renovation is the addition of a striking new bell tower, a vertical landmark housing a 62-bell carillon which forms an experiential and musical instrument.
This design showcases the musicality of metal, integrating it into the building’s architecture while serving as a symbolic and auditory guide for visitors. Bronze bells act as a focal point and instrument within the design, paying homage to the history of the landmark.
Combined with the new pavilion, the bells’ decades-long resonant presence, known to echo across Mount Royal, now leads visitors through a multi-sensory immersion: as the chimes resonate, they mark the rhythm of passage—an interplay of sound, light, and materiality that deepens the spiritual journey.
This four-story architectural intervention, designed by Lemay, blends reverence and modernity, offering a seamless connection between the Oratory and its landscape, which welcomes over two million visitors annually.
Photo by Adrien Williams/courtesy v2com
Since its founding, Saint Joseph’s Oratory has stood as a beacon of faith and contemplation, and a sanctuary where architecture and devotion intersect. This latest addition, part of the site’s ongoing master plan since 2000, marks a profound evolution that embraces both the heritage and a forward-looking vision. From the moment visitors arrive, they are invited into a carefully choreographed sequence of spaces that reinterprets the pilgrimage experience, transforming movement through the site into an act of exploration.
The pavilion’s materiality not only reinforces its dialogue with the mountain but also aligns with a broader commitment to sustainability characterizing this LEED Silver certified project. Embedded throughout the project, these strategies ensure minimal environmental impact. Paved surfaces have been replaced with green spaces, reducing heat island effects and enhancing biodiversity. High-performance insulation, and energy-efficient lighting and ventilation systems reduce the building’s carbon footprint, while maintaining optimal indoor comfort.
As visitors move through the pavilion, they encounter a series of curated spaces designed to evoke contemplation, engagement, and wonder. The cafeteria, perched high above the landscape, offers panoramic views that invite moments of pause and appreciation. Newly created public squares and sacred gardens encourage quiet reflection, seamlessly integrating with the building’s design. A rhythmic sequence of skylights and illuminated ceilings subtly guides movement, enhancing a natural flow through the space. These openings establish a dynamic relationship between the interior and exterior, revealing fragments of the surrounding context and connecting the building to its history and environment.
Through this new architectural approach to Saint Joseph’s Oratory, Lemay has struck a delicate balance between the integration with a cultural heritage and adaptation to contemporary needs. The pavilion’s luminous design, thoughtful materiality, and a deep reverence for place stands as both a monument and an open threshold, welcoming all who seek contemplation, connection, and discovery.
