The new pavilion transcends its transit function to become a community landmark

Combining architectural finesse with the neighbourhood’s heritage building typology, the new train station pavilion, designed by Sid Lee Architecture, acts as a beacon at the heart of the Côte-des-Neiges – Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood, for the well-being of its surrounding community.

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Photo credit: David Boyer

The station’s new iteration is part of a transformation project that aims at upgrading exo’s entire transit network to improve the uniformity of its services. The new building serves as a crucial hub on one of the busiest lines of the transit system. At its origin, the project aimed to update the station to meet exo’s new safety and accessibility objectives. Thus, the new pavilion embodies an innovative approach that seeks to transcend the simple function of an access point to become a distinct symbol within the community’s landscape.

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Photo credit: David Boyer

The roof as a starting point

First and foremost, the architects carefully studied the typology of the neighborhood. Inspired by surrounding references such as St. Philip's Church, the existing train station building, and the area’s numerous residential buildings, it was ultimately the double-pitched roof that was chosen as the starting point to ensure a context-sensitive integration. Updated and modernized, the vernacular roof nods to the simplified form of a shelter. It evokes a sense of familiarity and security through its elemental yet elegant expression. Like a carefully folded and then slit piece of paper to maximize natural light into the building, it gives the structure a timeless appeal.

A beacon on Sherbrooke Street West

To create a harmonious balance, the roof has been delicately placed on a spacious glass box with a simplified shape, but notable volume. In addition to offering a unique design, this arrangement holds a poetic tension that makes the approach smoother and more inviting for users.

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Photo credit: David Boyer

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Photo credit: David Boyer

A detailed oriented approach to the interiors

Inside, the transparency of the walls and the thoughtful alignment of the floors promote circulation and clarity. The result is a welcoming atmosphere that encourages visual exploration, strengthening the link between users and the surrounding urban life.

About Sid Lee Architecture

Sid Lee Architecture is an affiliate of Sid Lee creative agency. The firm was founded by architects and urban designers Jean Pelland and Martin Leblanc, business partners since 1999. Today, the pair leads a multidisciplinary team of 70 professionals from the fields of urban planning, architecture, and interior design. Since 2015, Sid Lee Architecture has been a member of kyu, a collective of creative companies established by Hakuhodo DY Holdings.