On October 23rd, TRACE’s Emily Guy and Ben Merritt were part of Heritage Ottawa’s Emerging Scholars lecture presentation at the University of Ottawa. The discussion focused on finding ways we can continue to preserve our heritage while adapting to modern changes and demands. Speakers included students of varying fields from both Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, including TRACE’s Ben Merritt.
What is Capital Modern?
Ben’s presentation introduced Capital Modern, a TRACE initiative started over a decade ago for “exploring the legacy and evolution of modern places in Canada’s National Capital Region”. The site’s three main objectives are to document, record, and share knowledge on buildings’ history, materials etc. Creating a database to capture buildings in time both before and after alterations or demolition is important, no matter how seemingly insignificant a building may be. It is our goal that this online resource can help students or anyone who is interested find information for known or lesser-known buildings through-out the city.
Capital Modern also works to share information through other means, such as postcards, tours, and local organizations. At the National Trust Conference in 2023, TRACE’s Chris Warden and Catherine McBain gave a bus tour of some of Ottawa’s suburban landscapes to teach people about Ottawa’s hidden architectural heritage.
The Importance of Modern Buildings in Ottawa
Much of the City’s expansion occurred during the Modernist architectural period, throughout the 1940’s to 1970’s. The Modernist style is associated with functional, streamlined forms, as well as materials such as concrete. The result was buildings with a heavy and imposing presence on their site – a character which, at times, may be seen as a negative in today’s context. This does not diminish, however, the influence of Modernism in Ottawa’s architectural history. Therefore, Capital Modern’s goal is to generate awareness of the important elements of Modern architecture, and helping people see this interesting style in a different light.
