The Quebec-based company Céragrès, a specialist in architectural finishing materials, served as a key technical and design consultant for the Réseau express métropolitain — also known as REM, a major new automated light-rail system in Montreal.
The company was engaged during the project's initial design phase to select and develop the surfacing materials for the network's 26 stations. The task required aligning distinct color-coded visual identities for each line with stringent performance and safety requirements. Céragrès' involvement translated to custom terrazzo-effect porcelain tiles and wall finishes in specific sizes and colors to ensure network legibility. Beyond aesthetics, a primary technical challenge for the development of the automated light-rail system was sourcing and developing materials capable of withstanding extreme environmental stress, including freeze-thaw cycles and heavy pedestrian traffic, as well as meeting universal accessibility standards. This led to the innovation of non-slip flooring and textured tiles to aid the visually impaired. For the underground stations, Céragrès adapted an exterior mechanical anchoring system for large-format ceramic panels to address structural and maintenance challenges.
Image Credit: Olivier L. Gariépy
What's Driving This Trend
- Customized Architectural Materials
- The growing demand for personalized and functional design elements in infrastructure projects is spearheading innovations in customized architectural materials.
- Sustainable Transport Design
- As cities expand their transit systems, sustainable design approaches are becoming central to ensuring resilience against environmental challenges.
- Safety-first Urban Engineering
- Enhanced urban transport projects are integrating safety as a core feature, promoting the creation of materials and technologies that prioritize commuter well-being.
Who This Affects Most
- Transit Infrastructure
- Advances in automated systems and sustainable material usage are transforming the future of transit infrastructure development.
- Architectural Finishing Industry
- The need for aesthetic and durable finishing solutions in high-traffic public spaces drives innovation within the architectural finishing industry.
- Smart City Solutions
- With the emphasis on efficiency and safety, smart city solutions are leveraging high-tech developments in transport systems and materials science.
