City Within A City: Revitalization Through Connectivity

Abstract

This thesis seeks to revitalize the soon-to-be vacated, iconic Molson Brewery in Montreal. In many instances, the development of the Molson Brewery mirrors that of its urban context. Occupying a footprint roughly equivalent to 12 Montreal city blocks, the Brewery is located in a post-industrial, fragmented neighborhood. The facility’s layout suggests that it no longer runs as an efficient industrial facility as the brewery complex consists of a fragmented, incoherent series of building elements, analogous to the neighborhood in which it is located. Entrenched in the collective memory of Montrealers, the Molson Brewery’s adaptive reuse strategy emphasizes the preservation of building elements rather than demolition. The complex will be revitalized by connecting all building elements to one another, transforming the complex into a city within a city.

This thesis will draw upon the theories of Team 10 to define a strategy for the buildingas- city. The Brewery, seen as analogous to a city, will be sub-divided into constituent districts, each incorporating a different but complimentary program, addressing the needs of the surrounding neighborhood and city. Districts will be further sub-divided and linked together by a hierarchy of unifying elements. The redevelopment will also be linked to the city beyond. By introducing a system of hierarchy and connectivity to the Molson Brewery, this thesis can become a case study for large scale urban redevelopment.