Get the best of Domus straight to your inbox!

Smith Vigeant: Allez-Up

Allez-Up, by Smith Vigeant Architects, transformed the abandoned silos of the old Redpath sugar refinery into a rock-climbing gym: a unique way to maximize the enormous potential of these historic vestiges from Montréal’s industrial past.

Regenerate space, rediscover the human

At Milan Design Week 2025, domusbreakfast@bocconi explores the connection between urban and relational regeneration, with design as a tool for connection. Among the key participants, Franke highlights the role of the kitchen as a vital space for nurturing relationships and renewing the social fabric

Sponsored content

The rock climbing gym Allez-Up, designed by Smith Vigeant Architects, is at the heart of the revitalization project for Montréal’s Southwest borough.

Flanking the Lachine Canal, the site and silos of the old Redpath sugar refinery have been converted into a one-of-a-kind indoor rock-climbing facility, adding significantly to the recreational and tourist attractions of the Canal.

The climbing wall formations within the main building actually resemble sugar cliffs, reminding visitors of the original function of the Redpath silos. These pure-white, angular climbing walls offer many different routes for both beginners as well as seasoned climbers.

The siding and outer metallic building envelope pay tribute to the industrial and monolithic character of this site, while the massive windows gaze far out onto St-Patrick Street. In long shafts, abundant natural light saturates the space, creating an effect of crevasses and voids on the climbing walls and revealing the interior climbing surfaces – a truly colourful heart at the centre of a metallic exterior.

The project won the prizes “Project of the year 2013”, “Training Center” and the special prize “Color” of the 7th edition of the Grands Prix Du Design.

01 / 08