An aerial view of Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Monday Feb. 5, 2024. Montreal's Olympic Park has launched an international competition to find a second life for its tattered old roof. THE CANADIAN PRESS
Montreal's Olympic Stadium management seeks innovative ideas to repurpose its aging roof components, like membranes spanning 26 hockey rinks and cables stretching 12 kilometres. An international call for submissions invites designers and architects to propose eco-friendly solutions, with Quebecers set to vote on the best ideas among eight finalists.
Built for the 1976 Olympics, the stadium's iconic design features a Teflon-coated fibreglass roof suspended by cables from a towering 165-meter structure. The current roof, installed in 1998, is deteriorating, restricting the stadium's use to just 120 to 180 days annually due to its fragile condition.
With plans to replace the roof at a cost of $870 million, the government seeks a durable solution to extend the stadium's lifespan. The new roof, projected to last 50 years, aims to double annual visitors and allow year-round operations.
The initiative aligns with modern sustainability practices, emphasizing reuse over disposal. McGill University architecture professor Dr. Avi Friedman underscores the importance of repurposing materials in an era of environmental consciousness, encouraging a shift towards recycling and upcycling.
Students and professionals worldwide have until May's end to submit proposals, with prizes up to $15,000 for winning entries. This competition signals a proactive approach towards environmental responsibility and creative resource management in architectural projects.
