
Global Influence in Today’s Architecture
October 10, 2024
Influence can come in a vast array of forms, from visiting and experiencing what foreign destinations have to offer in terms of gastronomy, art, architecture, traditions, climate, and many more, to interacting with people who think, act, and talk differently from us. Having worked and lived in different countries and cultures, I have seen the complex interplay between influences and the role that identity plays in the overall scheme of things.
The diversity of cultures and origins among all LPS’ past and present members has helped shape our particular approach to life in general and architecture in particular, along with every aspect directly or indirectly linked to it.
Cities like Montreal, among many other Canadian cities, offer wonderful and rich exposure to diverse ways of thinking and living that are influenced by religious beliefs, languages, and specific cultural trends and traditions. We are constantly exposed to these differences to the point that our day-to-day lives are filled with unfamiliarity.
We juggle between the idea of our own identity and specificity versus that of the environment in which we shape ourselves into something different and more inclusive. Time and repetition play a very important role in accepting new ways, adopting new habits, and thus, creating a new global identity.

This tug-of-war between the universal and the specific, the innovative and the traditional, is a defining feature of life itself. For the purpose of what we do at LPS and for this article, we can clearly say that it’s equally defining for architectural practice. It is a challenge that we all must navigate with open-mindedness, sensitivity, and skill, balancing the need for progress with the imperative to preserve particular cultural heritage and to create a new cultural identity and heritage in our welcoming land where diversity and inclusion are key components.
If we strictly refer to architecture, this tension can be seen in the way that global architectural styles often blend with local traditions. Throughout history, cultural exchange and historical influences have shaped the built environment in fascinating ways. The fusion of Islamic and Gothic styles in Moorish architecture, for example, reflects the complex intermingling of cultures that occurred in medieval Spain. Similarly, the incorporation of Byzantine elements in Eastern European buildings and the blending of Asian and European styles in colonial-era structures testify to the ways in which architecture has always been a site of cross-cultural dialogue.

In a more local context, Montreal’s architectural landscape has been shaped by international influences while also making its own unique contributions to global architectural discourse. The city’s openness to innovative design and its ability to blend local context with global trends continue to define its architectural character today. We can appreciate many examples of how history, culture, and diversity in the mind of the beholder have produced architectural marvels like Habitat 67, the Olympic Stadium, McGill University Campus, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Verdun Auditorium, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, Montreal World Trade Centre, and many, many more.
Materials and Techniques
Despite the pervasive influence of global trends, local identity is often preserved through the use of traditional materials and techniques. In Japanese architecture, for instance, the use of wood reflects a deep cultural attachment to nature and a respect for the inherent properties of the material. Similarly, the use of stone in Mediterranean designs speaks to the region’s long history of masonry construction and its adaptation to the local climate and landscape.

These traditional approaches are not static, however. They evolve over time, incorporating new technologies and responding to changing social and environmental needs, as well as the resilient architecture required by the new meteorological conditions in recent years. The challenge for architects is to find ways to honor these traditions while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible and necessary. This requires an understanding of local culture and history, as well as a willingness to engage with the community and listen to their needs and aspirations. As we said in one of our previous articles, considering the users and the community is, here again, a fundamental component in adding quality to architecture and ensuring its lasting impact despite the passage of time.
The influence of globalization is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it has led to a certain degree of homogenization, with similar trends, styles, and materials. This can be seen in the proliferation of glass, steel, exposed concrete, and flat-roofed buildings in cities around the globe, which often bear little relation to the local context and the environmentally challenging conditions.
On the other hand, globalization has also created opportunities for architects to draw on a wider range of influences and to create more diverse and dynamic designs. As an example, Habitat 67 in Montreal imposed prefabricated concrete units stacked in a seemingly random but carefully planned arrangement. This modular approach reflected a global movement towards prefabrication and standardization in architecture and the use of exposed concrete and bold geometric forms.

The Importance of Preservation
Preserving cultural heritage is another key consideration in the struggle between global influences and local identity. Historical sites and buildings are not only important for their aesthetic and cultural value but also for the way they anchor communities and provide a sense of continuity with the past.
Preservation efforts can take many forms, from the restoration of individual buildings to the revitalization of entire neighborhoods or regions. Old Montreal, the historic district of the city, showcases how historical sites and buildings are being preserved despite global influences. The area retains a wide variety of architectural styles from different periods, including 19th-century headquarters of major Canadian banks on Saint-Jacques Street, which have largely maintained their original forms.

Many historical buildings in Old Montreal have been repurposed while preserving their architectural integrity. This approach allows the structures to remain relevant and functional in the modern era while maintaining their historical significance.
The Human Element
Ultimately, the other major element is about the human experience of the built environment and the ways in which architecture shapes our sense of place, community, and belonging.
This human element is particularly evident in the architectural choices of immigrant communities, who often seek to create spaces that reflect their cultural heritage while also adapting to their new surroundings. Little Italy, centered around Saint-Laurent Boulevard (also known as The Main), showcases how immigrant communities have shaped Montreal’s urban fabric, adding gems to the collective imaginary with buildings like the ‘Church of the Madonna della Difesa’, which is a focal point of Little Italy. The influence goes way beyond this, extending to residential areas characterized by low-rise, densely packed row houses and duplexes. These buildings often feature external staircases, a distinctive Montreal architectural element that Italian immigrants adapted to their own aesthetic preferences.

Many buildings in Little Italy have ground-floor commercial spaces with large windows, reminiscent of Italian piazzas and streets. These spaces often house traditional Italian cafes, restaurants, and shops, contributing to the area’s vibrant streetscape and other public spaces that serve as gathering places, echoing the importance of communal spaces in Italian culture.
Many former industrial buildings in the area have been repurposed into residential lofts or commercial spaces, preserving the neighborhood’s historical character while adapting to modern needs. The architectural choices made by the Italian immigrant community in Montreal demonstrate how immigrant groups can significantly influence and enrich a city’s built environment, creating spaces that reflect their cultural identity while contributing to the city’s overall architectural diversity.

Finding the Balance
As architects, we have a responsibility to navigate the complex terrain between global influences and local identity with care and sensitivity. We must strive to create architecture that is both responsive to the needs of the present and respectful of the traditions of the past and also, open to diversity and inclusion which results in innovation.
This requires a deep understanding of the communities that play a role into creating the new culture, the differences that characterises them, as well as a willingness to listen, collaborate and integrate. It requires us to think critically about the impact of our designs, not just in terms of aesthetics or functionality, but also in terms of their social and cultural implications.
Ultimately, the goal should be to create architecture that enhances the human experience, that celebrates the diversity and richness of our cultural heritage, and that contributes to the creation of more sustainable, equitable, and meaningful built environments. By embracing this challenge with creativity and empathy, we can help to ensure that architecture remains a powerful force for positive change in the world.
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