Studio Lead Chris Warden: Champion of Modern Places
For Chris, architecture has always been about understanding: why places look and function the way they do, how original design intent has evolved over time, and where opportunities exist to turn perceived challenges into new possibilities. He often points to examples like local community centres constructed during the mid-twentieth century that continue to serve their […]
The Heritage Toolbox: Conservation Guidelines
Conservation Guidelines are an important tool for heritage specialists and form the foundation for conservation reports and the design of interventions. Heritage buildings designated by the Federal Heritage Review Office (FHRO) typically include in-house Conservation Guidelines Reports, which outline the building’s history, an analysis of its architectural character, provides recommendations for a conservation approach ranging […]
Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future: Emily Guy at SSAC’s 50th Anniversary Conference
At the end of May, Emily Guy attended the 50th Annual Conference of the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada (SSAC), held in Ottawa. For half a century, the SSAC Conference has brought together scholars, architects, planners, historians, students, and enthusiasts to explore Canada’s built environment, and this anniversary year was no exception. […]
What’s New on Capital Modern
Documenting the modern building stock in the National Capital Region is the priority of TRACE’s in-house initiative Capital Modern. Since its start nearly 15 years ago, CapMod has slowly been building its database of modern places in and around Ottawa. Over 200 buildings built in the modern era are featured […]
Ben Merritt Successfully Defends M.Arch Thesis
Earlier this month, TRACE’s Ben Merritt successfully defended his M.Arch Thesis! Ben’s thesis, titled “How We Wear: Creating Clothing of Identity and Connection,” explores the idea of clothing as a form of self expression, seeking to understand the relationships that exist between who we are and what we wear. Ben engaged in the act of […]
What’s a CHIS? Understanding A Key Heritage Report For Your Development
A Cultural Heritage Impact Statement (CHIS) is an important document used to assess the potential impacts of proposed developments on cultural heritage resources including buildings and sites. This statement is typically required when a development is planned on or near a property that has been designated as having cultural heritage value or interest. The purpose […]
PTRP 4 – Boston Recap
In March, Chris Warden and Catherine McBain travelled to Boston, MA for the 4th edition of the Preserving the Recent Past Conference. This conference unites North American conservation specialists to address key issues in the preservation of Modern historic resources. With Modern places now beyond 50 years of age, they remain significant for their innovation […]
Celebrating 50 Years of the Ontario Heritage Act: Understanding Key Heritage Reports
The Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) turns 50 this year! Enacted in 1975, the OHA provides municipalities and the provincial government with tools to identify, protect, and conserve cultural heritage resources. A key part of this process involves various reports that assess heritage value and the impact of proposed developments. As part of the legal mechanisms […]
Introducing By Ward Grounds
As the slow march towards implementing the latest revitalization of the ByWard Market continues, many questions remain to be answered. On the surface, the plan focuses on making the ByWard Market a more pleasant place to visit by addressing issues in traffic control and offering improvements to the public realm. Nevertheless, there remains questions around […]
Catherine McBain and Sabina Barrett Earn Professional CAHP Membership
We are thrilled to announce that both Catherine McBain and Sabina Barrett have been granted Professional Membership status with the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)! This prestigious recognition highlights their extensive contributions and dedication to the heritage conservation field. CATHERINE MCBAIN – INTERN ARCHITECT & EXISTING BUILDING SPECIALIST Catherine McBain brings over five years […]