Architectural ceramic finishes of the Montreal metro

Study for the conservation of the architectural ceramic finishes of the Montreal metro stations

In collaboration with Docomomo Québec, ERA is conducting historical and technical research on the many ceramic finishes of Montreal Metro stations to better understand and appreciate them as well as to encourage their conservation where this infrastructure is subject to modernization.

Montreal metro stations, particularly those of the first phase (1966-67), but also those of successive extensions, are characterized by striking ceramic tiles arrayed in various shapes, textures, patterns, and colours. These striking displays play a major role in defining the unique identity of each station, making stops easily recognizable by the users. Montreal Metro’s original vision for their system — known as “one station-one architect” — brings ceramic tiles to the fore as elements defining the architectural space, contributing to orientation and circulation, and adding a playful dimension.

The research is divided into three main parts. Firstly, historical and archival research highlights some particularly interesting aspects of the selection and production of these ceramic finishes, by analyzing the figures of architect, designer, and artist Norman Slater and ceramic artist Claude Vermette. Secondly, a review of the technical literature identifies recurring problems with ceramic finishes in the Montreal metro, and examples of interventions on this type of finish in other international metro networks serve as comparables to establish good conservation practices in the underground context. Finally, three intervention approaches are proposed for the architectural ceramic finishes in the Montreal metro, according to their heritage value and the concept of “tolerance for change”.

In 2024, the research was presented to the STM’s “Jean-Dumontier” Architecture Committee, which suggested that certain priority recommendations be integrated into their internal architectural heritage management framework. ERA and Docomomo Québec continue to support the STM in this process.

The research is an initiative of ERA Architects and Docomomo Québec, and has benefited from grants from the federal government’s “Young Canada Works” program and ICOMOS Canada’s “Youth in Heritage” program. ERA warmly thanks the STM for sharing its knowledge and providing access to its archives.

ERA has recently created a map highlighting some of the architectural ceramic finishes our research focuses on. You can plan your own tour of the Montreal Metro stations by printing a copy.