1. How does this website illustrate the changes Montreal is going through?
This website is designed to show how different area of Montreal have changed over the last hundred years. The photos show Montreal as it was at the beginning of the 20th century and Montreal today. Through the comparison of these photos we can see how buildings that were once considered mammoth dwarfed by their neighbours, we can see first hand how factories become loft space, or how some areas of the city haven’t changed at all.
2. Why do you rely on pictures instead of text?
I think that photography is the best medium to portray the evolving city. What better way to show how the city is changing than through snapshot of Montreal’s landmarks. Each location is provided with some text to help provide some context to the pictures.
3. Why did you choose these locations?
I tried to pick a variety of locations from the McCord Museum’s website that would best represent Montreal; it’s industrial past, its ever busy streets, its growing skyline.
4. Why are some contemporary pictures differ from their historical locations?
I tried to get as close as I could for most of the picture, but some photos are impossible to recreate. Some pictures were taken across the street from landmarks in vacant lots which are no longer vacant. Some pictures were taking out the windows of tall buildings, and a lot of security guards of tall buildings don’t like random students coming in and asking if they could take a shot from the 17th floor.
5. Can I contribute to the website?
Sure! Things are a little bare bones at the moment but any contribution would be great. You can find out how to reach me on the Contact page.
6. You’re not an urban planner, you’re not even a history major, what theoretical sources have you used in creating this site?
No, but I am a huge Jane Jacobs fan. I find her look on urban planning fresh and human. A lot of the philosophy behind this website, especially in regards of changing neighbourhoods, is taken from Jacob’s book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities.” I’ve always loved old industrial and old stone buildings; their architecture, their textures, their histories. The writings of Jane Jacobs has always made me want to go out, observe and document how my city is changing.
7. What does “Old ideas can sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old buildings,” refer to?
It’s a quote from Jane Jacobs (surprise surprise), I thought it was very appropriate considering the theme of the website. It fits the theme of new ideas and growth and the physical landscape we build for ourselves.
