Rideau Canal Skateway on Thin Ice
When founding partner Mark Thompson Brandt presented at the APT international conference in Buffalo in 2018, he introduced the idea that “everyone now has their own personal Climate Chaos story.” Most people in developing countries may find it hard to lean in to actively fighting climate change, or by making it a priority in their […]
TRACE’s Carly Farmer granted Professional CAHP Membership!
We are pleased to announce TRACE’s Carly Farmer has been admitted to the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP) as a professional member! The professional membership is a testament to Carly’s extensive experience, working as an Intern Architect in the heritage field. Carly’s interest in heritage buildings can be traced back to her initial passion for sustainable […]
Ice Is a Risk – To Our Existing Buildings
With the return of winter weather comes the return of salt on every road, sidewalk, driveway, parking lot and walkway. According to this article (As icy conditions return, City of Ottawa needs to avoid using too much road salt, environmental advocates say – Capital Current) Ottawa uses approximately 185,000 metric tons of salt each year. […]
24 Sussex : Conserving Canada’s Official Residence Shouldn’t be Political
The conversation regarding 24 Sussex’s future makes recent headlines (again!) in a series of recent articles published in the Globe and Mail. As described in the Globe and Mail article from December 2022 by Ian Bailey “There have been cases made for revamping 24 Sussex Drive. One proposal (2017), by the Ottawa architecture firm MTBA […]
Historic Alexandra Bridge: Sustainability, Climate Action and Greening Infrastructure
On September 21, 2022, Senior Conservation Architect and Urbanist Mark Thompson Brandt of TRACE architectures (formerly MTBA Associates) was asked by Heritage Ottawa to present the environmental sustainability argument for rehabilitating the historic Alexandra Bridge, which can be viewed here (starting at 8:35). Since it was built in 1900, this iconic structure is a critical […]
TRACE Supporting our Local Charities and Non-Profit Partners
TRACE architectures is proud to partner with and donate to our local charities and non-profit partners this holiday season, and all throughout the year. In the spirit of the holidays, TRACE has donated to the Ottawa Riverkeeper and the David Suzuki Foundation, as our team continues to actively promote sustainable land stewardship, at both local and international […]
CHN @ COP27
As part of this recognition the “Sharm El-Sheikh Declaration on Culture-based Climate Action” proposed at COP27 by the Climate Heritage Network (CHN), argues that culture, from arts to heritage, plays a fundamental role in helping people meet low carbon goals, while contributing to larger climate resilient futures. Culture-based Climate action has the potential to play a crucial […]
TRACE Takes MOTOWN: APT Conference 2022
After visiting and experiencing the city it is clear that there is a stark difference between the once lively motor and industrial city of the early 20th century and the now quiet, bespoke downtown. Covered in scaffolding in an effort to revitalize, there is a clear indication of a willingness re-invest in Detroit since its economic […]
TRACE @ THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR CANADA CONFERENCE
Key Highlights There seems to be a major shift in the horizon in the fields of architecture, heritage and sustainability, that values a larger discussion of what it means to provide healthy, sustainable, equitable and inclusive futures. Throughout the conference, heritage professionals called for immediate action to tackle the climate crisis, LGTBQ2S+ inclusivity and Reconciliation action. […]
Catherine McBain’s M.Arch Thesis Published in Harvard GSD-based Journal OBL/QUE
This is an exciting accomplishment, and reflective of the Catherine’s immense effort to present a challenging subject matter through an innovative, inclusive, sensitive and decolonial approach. A journal on architectural conservation, O B L / Q U E acknowledges that there is no neutral historic site, place, or narrative and proposes that Conservation architects have […]
