BOMA QUÉBEC (Quebec association of commercial property owners and managers) inauguarated its 6th biennial architecture exhibition, MONTRÉAL DU FUTUR, at Complexe Desjardins last night. Minutes after the opening, the curious flocked to the Ædifica kiosk, where they were treated to VR goggles and a 3-D look at plans for MÉTRO, a ground-breaking new venture in architecture.

“The idea behind this project was to use abandoned metro cars from Montreal’s transit network as a key component for a cutting-edge complex, – an emblematic building with the potential to resonate across the globe,” says Alain Bergeron, Ædifica’s vice-president of architecture. The project integrates a hundred MR-63 cars into an evocative structure that celebrates the history of the iconic Métro. It would also position Montreal as a city at the forefront of intelligent design, urban planning and architecture.

In March, Montreal’s public transport agency STM launched a call for projects to give a second life to first-generation subway cars, and it could not have come at a better time. “We came up with the idea for the Montreal MÉTRO complex about a year ago, in preparation for Montreal 375th birthday. This project supports our firm’s ambition and know-how for innovative and unconventional design,” Bergeron adds. The project has already attracted the attention of partners and investors. The search for appropriate land to build the project on is still ongoing.