Zdjêcia

Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), the flagship institution of Québec's network of public universities, is situated downtown in what was formerly the location of the Université de Montréal, also known as the "Quartier Latin" because of the heavy presence of academics in the neighborhood over the past century. This belltower was part of a large church that stood between St-Denis, Ste-Catherine, Maisonneuve and Berri streets more than thirty years ago now. While parts of the original church were destroyed, a few of its main architectural features were integrated in the university's modern Judith-Jasmin building. To say the truth, the Jasmin building is not really an architectural success: its massive shape and unappealing concrete have discouraged students, professors and passers-by ever since its construction in the mid-1980s. But, in the early morning, when I walk to my office, I am always inspired by this sight... On a beautiful Autumn morning, it looked like this.