Carleton Architecture Building

Since its completion in 1972, architects, scholars, and heritage professionals have studied the Architecture Building at Carleton University. Designed by Toronto architects and educators Carmen and Elin Corneil, with Jeff Stinson and in association with Ottawa firm Schoeler Heaton Harvor Menendez, the building reflects multiple tenets of Canadian Modernism and has been celebrated for its significance in the history of Canadian architecture.

ERA was retained by the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism to prepare a report considering the design intent and heritage value of the building complex, conservation goals for the facility, and how the building could be adapted to meet current and future requirements related to program and energy performance — focusing on challenges and opportunities.

With an understanding of the underlying structural, material, and spatial principles embodied in the Architecture Building, ERA identified a series of issues and opportunities for future interventions. Working with Morrison Hershfield, these included approaches to meeting contemporary building code requirements which respond to the building’s original design.

Capitalizing on the Architecture Building’s adaptive potential and citing comparable projects at other late Modernist buildings, ERA’s report provided recommendations to support future projects. The report is helping to ensure that the character of this significant building and its contributions to the identity of Carleton’s Architecture program are sustained.