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Canada Permanent Building, [between 1928 and 1931],
F. Hilton Wilkes, Arch.; Mathers & Haldenby, Assoc. Arch.; Sproatt & Rolph, Consulting Arch.)
Photomechanical reproduction
Sproatt & Rolph fonds
Reference Code: C 292-1-0-316
Archives of Ontario

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Detail of contract drawing for Parliament Buildings (Queen’s Park, Toronto) : sculptured frieze, Centre Building, 1888 (detail)
R. A. Waite, Architect
Ink on linen
Department of Public Works,
Reference Code: RG 15-13-2-130, (#11-1-G-3)
Archives of Ontario

Buildings often have distinctly allegorical qualities: our writers and poets invest them with imagery such as, “temples of commerce” or “halls of wisdom”.

Architectural drawings sometimes illustrate the designer’s understanding of this desire for mythic qualities in our most important public buildings.

Records created by architects are often excellent indicators of changes in style and fashion. A highway service station like this one from 1971 was once considered quite modern. Many researchers who are interested in the history of design trends use architectural drawings for information, and even for inspiration.

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Texaco Junior Service Centre on 410 Highway at Lancaster, Ont., 1971
Harry B. Kohl
Ink on tracing paper
Harry B. Kohl fonds
Reference Code: C 15, project 7055
Archives of Ontario

Three-dimensional models are used by architects to provide a sense of a building’s surroundings or context. They are of particular interest when they illustrate the depth of an architectural firm’s sensitivity to the existing topography and adjacent structures.

In this example, Science North dominates a hilltop in Sudbury, yet seems to rise organically out of the rock. The low profile of its roof, while modern and angular, nevertheless recalls the craggy beauty of northern Ontario terrain.

Photograph of an illuminated model of Science North in Sudbury, Ont., [198-]
Moriyama & Teshima
Moriyama & Teshima Architects fonds
Reference Code: F 2187-1-69, project 8016
Archives of Ontario, I0007504

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