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Children Memorial Hospital, Montreal 1
It is only at the turn of the twentieth century that Montreal will see its first children specialized hospitals. The Children Memorial Hospital (CMH) was first established in a rented house from 1903 to 1905. It slowly expanded as the demand was growing.
Children's Memorial Hospital exterior view.2
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Aerial Photo, CMH, Montreal, 1936.1
The CMH most romantic aspect was its setting, at the feet of Mont Royal. Its mission was to enhance the healing of sick poor kids by bringing them to the low density and fresh air environment of the mountain.
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The outdoor space was extremely important at CHM as this photo illustrates the roof terrace used as an outdoor ward:
CHM Carruthers corridor (construction 1931)1
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Tents that functioned as wards were scattered throughout the grounds, providing maximize fresh air while still somehow protected.
Children's Memorial Hospital "tent"1
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CHM, with its small scale multi-cottages style architecture defined a domestic environment which was constratant with Ste-Justine Hospital.
CMH exterior view.2
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Ste-Justine Hospital, 1914.1 |
CHM presented features normally associated with domestic architecture: curved oriel windows, expressed parapets and gable-end chimneys, dormers, bay window and fine brick detailing. |
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Ste-Justine Hospital was more formal, its architecture represented a stronger scientific, instutional character. It was a more cohesive ensemble because the four buildings were designed by the same architect : Joseph Sawyer. |
CMH photographs 1
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Ste-Justine interior photographs 1
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Even the interior views of both hospitals are very different. The CMH photos ressemble more to family pictures, contrarily to the Ste-Justine photo where the atmosphere is more rigid and formal, emphasizing the hospital's scientific, institutional character.
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1Designing for "the Little Convalescents": Children's Hospitals in Toronto and Montreal, 1875-2006.
2 Hospital Architecture in Montreal, website
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