Canada has a proud tradition of architects, and the landscape of the country is dotted with testaments to their achievements. You could become one of them with Centennial College’s Architectural Technician Program, where you’ll spend practical, hands-on time with the tools of the trade, and learn the technical side of designing and creating buildings that are both beautiful, as well as sustainable and efficient. Here are some of the architects you can join the ranks of, and their most famous Canadian architectural creations, rounded up from Indie88, Lenmak, Livabl and Precondo.
The Art Gallery of Ontario, designed by Frank Gehry
Famous enough to get a cameo on the Simpsons, Frank Gehry comes from Toronto, and renovated this building in 2008 (originally built in 1918) that resides in the heart of the city.
Canadian Museum of History, designed by Douglas Cardinal
Formerly the Canadian Museum of Civilization, this Montreal building’s architect is Aboriginal, and has been awarded the Order of Canada. It may be his design work that’s made it Canada’s most-visited museum since its construction in the 1980s. The building was also designed to reflect Canada’s landscape, and includes, for example, a wing built from 90 tons of copper.
The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, designed by Bing Thom
Located in Vancouver, this building was completed in 1997, and resides on the University of British Columbia campus. It’s won numerous architectural awards, as has its designer, who’s created many of Vancouver’s architectural achievements.
The Fogo Island Inn, designed by Todd Saunders (Fogo Island, Nfld & Labrador)
This inn is located on one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s islands, and was designed by a native of the province. It’s designed to resemble a fishing stage propped up on legs, and while you can stay in this 26-room inn (with an art gallery, cinema and library), you’ll need a ferry to get there.
The Gooderham Building, designed by David Roberts Jr.
If you’ve wandered around downtown Toronto, you’ve probably seen this building. It’s been there since 1892, and was initially designed by Toronto architect David Roberts Jr. as an office space for wealthy businessman George Gooderham, for only $18,000.
Habitat 67, designed by Moshe Safdie
This odd-looking cube-like Montreal housing complex is still futuristic today, despite being designed in 1967. Quebec architect Moshe Safde designed it while still studying at McGill University, and created it to be a fusion of suburban and urban living.
The Monique-Corriveau library, designed by Dan Hanganu
Hanganu has received more than 50 architectural awards, thanks to designing acclaimed buildings in Canada and worldwide. This Quebec City building started its life as a church in 1964, and Hanganu converted it into a library in 2013.
The Royal Canadian Mint, designed by Etienne Gaboury
Since this Winnipeg facility is responsible for providing currency to the entire country, it required an equally spectacular design. Manitoba architect Etienne Gaboury was the designer, and the facility opened in 1976.
By Anthony Geremia