Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, known as the Big O, is undergoing a renovation that includes replacing its aging roof. The stadium, which hosted the 1976 Olympics, will be getting a $870 million facelift, with the new roof expected to last for many years to come. In an effort to repurpose the old roof, the Olympic Park has launched a contest calling for ideas on how to reuse and recycle the materials that make up the dilapidated structure.
The competition is open to design and architectural professionals as well as students from around the world. A jury of experts, including architects, designers, and engineers, will select eight ideas to repurpose the roof, and Quebecers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite proposal. The goal of the contest is to find optimal suggestions that benefit the environment, the economy, and society, while also giving a “second life” to a piece of Quebec’s history.
The current roof of the Olympic Stadium, made of fibreglass and Teflon, was installed in 1998 as the stadium’s second roof. The renovation work to replace it is set to begin this summer and last four years. The old roof consists of membranes that could cover nearly 26 hockey rinks, almost 12 kilometers of cables, and over 400 steel connectors, all of which will be available for repurposing in the contest. The new and improved Big O will be able to operate year-round and host up to 150 events annually, a significant increase from the current capacity of around 30 events per year.
There will be four prizes totaling $15,000 awarded to winners of the contest, with categories ranging from space design to the full reuse of materials. In addition, student submissions will have the opportunity to win one of four $5,000 prizes. Interested participants have until the end of May to register for the contest and until June 11 to submit their ideas. The winners will be announced in the summer and fall, showcasing innovative and creative ways to repurpose the materials from the iconic stadium’s old roof.
The contest offers a unique opportunity for individuals in the design and architectural fields to showcase their creativity and contribute to sustainable practices. By encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials from the old roof, the competition aims to promote environmentally friendly solutions and foster innovation in repurposing historical structures. The renovation of the Olympic Stadium presents a chance to preserve a piece of Quebec’s history while also promoting economic and social benefits through the innovative use of materials.
Overall, the contest for repurposing the old roof of Montreal’s Olympic Stadium highlights the importance of sustainability and creativity in design and architecture. By seeking out innovative ideas from professionals and students worldwide, the competition aims to breathe new life into a historic structure and demonstrate the potential for environmentally friendly solutions. Through these efforts, the Olympic Park hopes to inspire future generations to think creatively about repurposing materials and preserving cultural landmarks for generations to come.
