In 2020, Benoy had the opportunity to work on the new design of the iconic Place Victoria food court, giving it a new configuration, and connecting it to new buildings. The challenge was not only to refresh its aesthetic appeal but also to enhance its functionality and connectivity.
We invited the project’s lead designer Benjamin Courtel (Senior Interior Design at Benoy) to tell us the story behind the design.
Tell us about Place Victoria
The Place Victoria Food Court, located within the iconic Montréal Exchange Building (Édifice de la Bourse), is a vibrant and diverse hub for dining, socializing, and relaxation. The food court is an important destination for office workers, tourists, and locals alike, with various dining options.
Completed in 1965, the Montréal Exchange Building is a classic example of International Style architecture, characterized by its sleek, modernist design with clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a striking glass and steel façade. This architectural gem is a symbol of Montréal’s significance as a financial center, especially during the mid-20th century.
What was behind the main design and concept?
We wanted the Place Victoria Food Court to be a unique venue; somewhere that blends spectacular architecture with a sophisticated gastronomic experience.
Sitting in the heart of the iconic Montréal Stock Exchange, it needed to be more than just a food court; we wanted to deliver an immersive journey where architectural aesthetics meet culinary delight.
We took much of our inspiration from the original team behind the Montréal Stock Exchange – architect Luigi Moretti and engineer Pier Luigi Nervi. We wanted each area of the food court to be inspired by the strong aesthetic identity of the Montréal Stock Exchange building. Moretti believed that extraordinary architecture results from how the sequences of spaces and perspectives change throughout an observer’s journey. This philosophy is embodied in the food court, which offers harmony through contrast rather than continuity.
Tell us more about some of the key individual design elements
Our aim was to build on the timeless principles laid down by Pier Luigi Nervi – there is such a wonderful sense of structure and materiality existing already within the building. In particular, we wanted to explore the idea of architectural resilience, highlighting a constantly evolving relationship between forms, techniques, and building materials.
We also wanted to draw on the venue’s natural elegance, shown in its international-style architecture and interiors. Our modern interpretation of a classic style creates a sophisticated meeting place with a palette of natural, neutral colors. Raw finishes are carefully juxtaposed with refined ones to create a visually captivating play of contrasts.
The X‑shaped tower’s elegant structure is a distinctive feature of the design. The structural columns are not merely supporting elements but are aesthetically integrated to enhance the visual experience. Indirect lighting, designed to create a museum-like atmosphere, celebrates the concrete and structural elements of the building.
Each area of the food court features patterns inspired by the architectural framework of the building’s exterior façade, creating a dynamic rhythm and a unique texture for Place Victoria. These patterns and their specific finishes offer a diversity of experiences, making each visit unique.
We’re pleased with how the space has turned out. It’s been great to see so many people using it in the way we intended.
The redesigned food court at Place Victoria offers a unique and vibrant experience, featuring 570 seats and 10 gourmet spaces, with two already in operation. Besides its connection to the Montréal underground network, the building is now linked to Victoria sur le Parc and the National Bank’s new headquarters. This modern location also includes a diverse range of amenities, such as a dentist, chiropractor, shoe repair service, dry cleaner, convenience store, gym, bike lockers, and meeting rooms.
