Heritage Ottawa - Beauty and Authenticity in Ottawa's Architecture

How should a new heritage district building or building addition look? Must it “be of its time?” Should it be faithful to the area’s existing traditional buildings? Who should decide?

Classic Planning Institute Founder Dr. Nir Buras will explain how Modernism became the dominant style in the 20th century. He will ask, “What is the place of Modernist expression?” and “Why can’t we have façades and roofs anymore?” He will share worldwide examples of new traditional architecture, and give us food for thought regarding ornament, indigenous architecture, and beauty. Dr. Buras will discuss how traditional architecture helps express Canada’s genuine architectural roots as well as Canada’s future.

Alain Miguelez – Vice-President, Capital Planning and Chief Planner at the NCC will review the Canadian context and explore choices that could be incorporated in the new NCC Core Area Plan. Alain will bring up the interpretation of Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada and refer to the “Philadelphia Approach” in making deliberate decisions on choice of architectural expression in response to urban context, and how this approach might fit in the NCC framework for the new Core Area Sector Plan.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Nir Buras is a leading new traditional architect and urbanist, founder of the Classic Planning Institute, and author of The Art of Classic Planning. Dr. Buras designs towns, cities and buildings, he runs experiments, holds workshops, writes, and speaks about some of the most interesting developments in the world of architecture and planning—and where we might find ourselves in the future. His work helps communities with their long-term planning, and architects who are inventing new local styles. He teaches Classic Planning Institute Fellows architectural literacy and classic planning basics and researches the neuroscience of the built environment with his scientific colleagues.

Alain Miguelez is the Vice-President of Capital Planning and Chief Planner of the National Capital Commission. He oversees four Divisions: Long Range Planning; Transportation Planning; Federal Approvals, Heritage and Archaeology; and Sustainable Development and Environmental Services functions. Prior to the NCC, he worked almost 20 years with the City of Ottawa in several capacities within the Planning Department, most recently as Manager of Planning Policy where he led his team to the preparation of the City’s 2021 Official Plan. He is the author of two books: Transforming Ottawa: Canada’s Capital in the Eyes of Jacques Gréber (2015) and A Theatre Near You: 150 Years of Going to the Show in Ottawa-Gatineau (2004).


Heritage Ottawa is pleased to offer our lectures free of charge, but we do need your support. Consider making a donation or joining Heritage Ottawa as a member using our secure website: https://heritageottawa.org/join-us