A Grand Tribute to Montreal's Urban Landscape
The Montreal Map Project by Hubert Roguski is a large-scale wooden artwork that meticulously captures the city's intricate street network. Installed in the Pointe-à -Callière Museum, Montreal's premier Archaeology and History Complex, this custom-designed piece enhances the historical and cultural significance of its surroundings. Mounted on the staircase of the museum's tower, the map offers visitors a stunning visual representation of Montreal's urban fabric.
A Monumental Work of Art
Measuring an impressive 400 x 240 cm, the map is crafted from 15 laser-cut panels, each 80 x 80 cm. The precision-cut streets are intricately carved from poplar plywood, which is then securely glued onto a marine birch plywood base. This robust combination of materials ensures durability and longevity, making the piece an enduring part of the museum’s interior design.
To achieve a modern and sophisticated look, the front layer of the map is painted in concrete gray, providing a sharp contrast against the black background layer. This dual-tone design not only enhances the visibility and depth of the street patterns but also complements the contemporary architectural elements of the museum’s staircase. The interplay of light and shadow across the finely carved streets creates a dynamic visual effect, allowing visitors to engage with the map from different perspectives as they ascend the tower.
A Fusion of Craftsmanship and Precision
Located in Montreal’s Museum of Archaeology and History, this project connects the city’s past and present through an artistic and geographical representation of its streets. Pointe-à -Callière is a site of immense historical importance, where visitors explore Montreal’s roots through archaeology and urban evolution. This laser-cut wooden map serves as an artistic homage to the city’s layout, linking modern craftsmanship with historical storytelling.
The Montreal Map Project exemplifies the intricate artistry and precision of laser-cutting technology. The layering of poplar and birch plywood, combined with expert finishing techniques, results in a piece that is both aesthetically captivating and structurally solid. Whether viewed from afar or up close, the map invites visitors to trace the streets of Montreal, encouraging a deeper connection with the city’s layout and history.
