The SmartClock is a beautiful timepiece inspired by the sculpture-horloge. It comes equipped with an onboard computer that runs a Java application, which not only displays the time but also features an impressive animation system.
Location and Inspiration
The Palais des congrès de Montréal is a massive convention center located between downtown, historic Chinatown, and Old Montreal. With direct access to the Place-d’Armes Metro station, it sees thousands of commuters and tourists every day.
Viger Hall, one of the most popular areas of the Palais, sits on the building’s north side and acts as a main gateway to the Metro. From there, pedestrians can walk into Chinatown, explore the charm of Old Montreal, or relax outside on the Esplanade, a small park-like area that millions of people pass through each year.
There, you’ll find a curious piece of public art: a thirty-foot-tall, seven-foot-wide clock sculpture known as the sculpture-horloge, created in 1983 by Mrs. Olga Zeldakova (1932–2019) in collaboration with Denis Matte. The piece was the winning entry of a $63,000 contest organized by the Ministères des Affaires culturelles and Travaux publics et Approvisionnement for the realization of a clock sculpture.
As someone who has walked past this sculpture countless times, I’ve always been fascinated by it. One day, I realized: What if we used modern technology to bring it to life?
Building the SmartClock
In 2013, I designed and built a 12-inch scale prototype called the SmartClock. My goal was to present a new, advanced mechanism to the Palais des congrès that could finally make the sculpture functional, dynamic, and interactive and could become a true landmark attraction.
The SmartClock is an elegant timepiece powered by an onboard computer running a Java application. It can be remotely controlled via Ethernet or Wi-Fi to override its default behavior. It tells time accurately and displays captivating animations on the hour and half-hour. I even recreated the sculpture’s original clockface design from a photo I took of the dial.
In my 1:7 scale prototype, one LED represents each second. On the full-size model, 7 to 10 LEDs would be required per second. LEDs are durable (rated for 20,000 hours), energy-efficient, and require little maintenance. Smaller SmartClock models could even be sold to visitors or gifted to VIPs. My prototype used blue filters with white LEDs, but the design is flexible. Filters and LED colors can be easily customized.
Reaching Out to the Palais
After building the prototype, I attempted to contact the Palais des congrès to present my concept. By 2015, I had exchanged emails with at least eight different staff members. I even hired a consultant to help establish a connection. Despite trying LinkedIn, Facebook, and every other method I could think of, nobody agreed to meet. Eventually, they stopped replying altogether.
It was disheartening, and I found the administration to be closed-minded. In 2017, I made the project public. Since then, the SmartClock has been proudly displayed in the lobby of our office, where visitors regularly admire it.
SMARTCLOCK SPECIFICATION IN 2013
| Product Code | SC1 |
| Dimensions | 12 inches wide, 3.75 inches deep (we can now make it less deep) |
| Computer | 1073_0 – PhidgetSBC3 |
| LED Controller | 1032_0 – PhidgetLED-64 Advanced |
| LED | 96 White 3v LED |
| Communication | Ethernet and Wi-Fi |
| Software | Java |
| Power Supply | 12VDC 2.0A |
| Case | Aluminum 6061 |
| Weight | 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg) |
| Control pad | 8 custom switches |
A New Development in 2023
In November 2023, a company based in Montreal contacted me for a quote to repair the original sculpture after seeing this page. They had been contracted by the Palais des congrès to restore the exterior (which they did) and repair the internal mechanics of the sculpture-horloge. However, they lacked the technical know-how in electronics and control systems. Although they sent me a few photos and videos, the material wasn’t sufficient for proper remote analysis.
I also connected with the son of Olga Zeldakova, who generously shared stories and rare photos from 1983, offering deeper insights into the sculpture’s history.
Eventually, an in-person inspection was arranged for December 12, 2023. A scaffold was built to reach the clock. Climbing up, I entered the structure through a hatch and found myself alone inside the clock. It was a deeply satisfying moment. Sunlight filtered through the red acrylic circles marking the hours, minutes, and central animations. It was surreal and beautiful.
I spent over 2 hours at -8°C inspecting every aspect: wiring, electronics, and mechanical systems. I captured detailed photos, videos, and a full 3D scan. The interior is surprisingly spacious, measuring about two meters in width and height. The experience was both technical and awe-inspiring.
Designing a New System
Back at my workshop, I dedicated two weeks to developing a detailed quote and designing a new SmartClock-based control system.
The original mechanism, which after 42 years with no maintenance was corroded, obsolete, and dangerous. It relied on a motor-driven system that pressed physical contacts to measure time. It was imprecise, inefficient, and wholly inadequate for Montreal’s extreme temperature range (–40°C to +45°C or more inside the metal structure).
My proposed system included:
- A modern embedded computer running Debian GNU/Linux for stability
- Modular IP66 waterproof electrical boxes (50 x 60 x 23 cm)
- Solid-state relays (SSR) mounted on DIN rails for safe, easy replacement
- Custom software with remote control via Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- Preprogrammed light sequences and hourly animations
- Monitoring of temperature and humidity across four zones
- Software and firmware update capabilities
- Secured remote access via a public-facing static IP (to be provided by the Palais)
Everything was modular and easy to set up and service. I also built a fully functional prototype using the same lamps found in the actual sculpture, investing over 80 hours and thousands of dollars in materials.
Silence, Again
My quote was submitted on December 28, 2023. For a month, I received no reply. Then came a few technical questions and a couple of Microsoft Teams meetings. I initially proposed a demonstration at their Montreal location, but they declined and suggested a Teams meeting instead. We agreed on May 23, 2024, during which I showed them the prototype and answered their questions, but they didn’t seem interested.
I gave my best presentation.
And then… silence.
No response. No feedback. No follow-up.
Once again, all my work seems to have gone unnoticed. I don’t understand why. The proposal was solid, and the price more than fair. I even structured it into three milestone payments, with the final one due upon delivery. From the start, my goal has been to restore the sculpture-horloge to its former glory, not to make money.
Summary of the Proposed SmartClock System in 2024
- 2 IP66 waterproof boxes (50 x 60 x 23 cm), modular and serviceable
- 308 circuits (77 per side, 88 bulbs per side = 352 total)
- Custom SmartClock control software
- Embedded computer (Debian GNU/Linux)
- 77 Solid-State Relays (280V / 35A) for lamp control
- Remote control via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (static IP required)
- Autonomous mode with scheduled animations
- Remote access to:
- Upload new animations
- Monitor climate sensors
- Receive system reports
- Apply software and firmware updates
Despite the lack of engagement from the Palais des congrès, I remain proud of what I created. The SmartClock represents innovation, respect for public art, and the belief that even something long neglected can be brought back to life, given the right technology and a bit of vision. Maybe one day I will have the chance to restore the sculpture-horloge to its glory.