Montreal Olympic Stadium roof renovation by GMP Architekten

German architecture studio GMP Architekten is leading a consortium renovating the roof of Montreal's Olympic Stadium, replacing the problematic Kevlar membrane with a steel deck to prevent icicle damage. The original retractable roof, designed by French architect Roger Taillibert for the 1976 Summer Olympics, was never fully functional due to complexity, costs, and strikes. The new design uses the existing 26 cables to suspend 90% of the roof's load, with a lighter steel and aluminum outer ring. The inner roof is 35% complete and expected to be finished by end of 2026. Skylights will allow natural light into the stadium for the first time. Other updates include modernizing the interior, renovating the cable car, and refurbishing the observation deck. GMP Architekten director Martin Glass emphasized respecting the original design's 'organic quality and sculptural expressiveness.' The consortium includes Schlaich Bergermann & Partner, WSP Global, Transsolar, and Lemay.