What should the huge Hydro station in the Latin Quarter look like?

What could the “megatransformer” that Hydro-Québec wants to build in the Latin Quarter of Montreal look like? The newspaper presents interesting examples of electrical infrastructure in North America and Europe.

• Read also: “I have the impression of going back to the Jean Drapeau era”: opposition intensifies against a Hydro-Québec project in Montreal

• Read also: Poste Berri: an ambitious and essential project for the energy transition in the east of the city center

The state company promised to “show great ambitions” in carrying out the controversial project, in particular by organizing an architectural competition.

“A competition should not be a way of clearing one’s conscience,” however, warns Philippe Lupien, professor at the UQAM School of Design. Designers need to have material they can play with. There has to be a little leeway because if it’s just about decorating a box, it’s not very interesting.”

Bibliothèque et Archives nationaux du Québec, which will be next to the future 315 kilovolt station, consulted Mr. Lupien on the impact it could have on the sector, but the institution made him sign a confidentiality agreement which prevents public discussion of this aspect.

Like many others, architecture critic Odile Hénault would prefer this imposing structure to be built elsewhere.

After considering three other locations, including the parking lot located next to the Raymond-Dewar Institute (corner Cherrier/St-Denis), Hydro maintains that the land adjacent to the Grande Bibliothèque is the one that best suits its needs.

An “object of pride”?

That said, well done, a post on rue Berri, “it can be an object of pride”, M ventures to say^me Hénault. The key to success, according to her, will be to ensure that “Hydro-Québec is aware of the importance of the places”.

“That’s why we really need people who have strong heads and who will be able to say no to Hydro,” she says.

The project will represent quite a challenge for engineers and architects: it is a highly technical building which will be located in the heart of a residential, institutional and tourist district.

Should the structure blend into the decor or stand out with its exuberance? This is one of the main questions that architects will have to decide.

“Perhaps the solution is to do something very modest,” says M.^me Hénault. Personally, I find the idea of ​​making a flamboyant object there a bit exaggerated. I think that [le poste] should flatten out.”

But before deciding, the City of Montreal should present its vision of Berri Street, believes Philippe Lupien.

“Rather than leaving it in the hands of Hydro-Québec, I think the city’s planners should decide once and for all on the future of this street,” he said.

Inspiring examples (or not)

Denny Post, Seattle

Inaugurated in 2019 in a dense neighborhood of Seattle, the Denny station has won awards for its relatively successful integration into the urban fabric. The designers notably planned an elevated promenade on a portion of the building, a dog park and a huge work of art inspired by a pylon. That said, the infrastructure remains massive and uninviting from certain angles.

Brent Cross Town Post, London

This is the flamboyant and colorful option. In an outlying area of ​​London, architecture firm If_Do and artist Lakwena have designed a huge work of art that envelops an imposing electrical substation. It’s impossible not to see it while driving on one of the two highways that border it.

Bélanger Post

The new Bélanger substation, inaugurated in 2015 in Saint-Léonard, makes abundant use of the red brick that dominates Montreal residential architecture. However, the high voltage cables and transformers are clearly visible at the rear of the building.

Post Adélard-Godbout

Commissioned in 1901, it is the oldest electrical substation still functional in Canada. Of neo-classical influence, the building is clad in clay bricks. However, it is partly hidden by high fences and various equipment.

Central Post, Lansing, Michigan

This 2020 opening in Michigan’s capital is hidden by elegant brown brick walls with faux windows. However, it is not a proper building since it does not have a roof.

Copenhill, Copenhagen

It is not an electrical substation, but a waste incinerator in Copenhagen which produces electricity. It was inaugurated in 2017 after work costing US$670 million. It is undoubtedly the most spectacular energy installation in the world: its sloping roof offers dry ski slopes, hiking trails and a park, while one of its walls accommodates a climbing wall. To make you dream!