UQAM design pavilion wins RAIC Prix du XXe siècle

By Construction Canada
Modern building with glass-encased stairwell lit warmly at dusk, adjacent to a multi-story structure with blue neon lights.
UQAM’s pavillon de Design. Photo courtesy Michel Brunelle/v2com.com

The pavillon de Design at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) has received the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Prix du XXe siècle, recognizing its architectural and environmental performance.

The RAIC cites the building’s architectural excellence, sustainable performance, and the university’s stewardship since its inauguration in 1995.

Modern building exterior at night with colorful lighting, overlaid with architectural blueprints and design elements.
Photomontage of UQAM’s Pavillon de Design. Photo courtesy Dan Hanganu & Gilles Prud’homme/v2com.com

Designed by Dan Hanganu Architects between 1994 and 1995, the steel-and-glass building uses natural light extensively. Layers of glass blocks and metal grilles reinforce the pavilion’s role as a public space open to the city and connect it to Montreal’s Quartier Latin.

An art piece by Pierre Leclerc completes the pavilion, integrated into the building’s facade. It consists of a 12 m2 (129 sf) galvanized steel structure featuring 72 clear and frosted glass panels.

The facade. Photo courtesy Nathalie St-Pierre/v2com.com

Since its opening, the pavillon de Design has served as a central space for learning and exchange within the university community.