Co-published by Canadian Architect and Princeton Architectural Press, the book Canadian Modern Architecture, 1967 to the present was recently released in Toronto. Co-edited by Elsa Lam, editor of Canadian Architect magazine, and Graham Livesey, professor at the University of Calgary, it is the first comprehensive review of Canadian architecture to appear in many years.

The fifteen chapters were written by leading architectural scholars and critics in the country, namely George Baird, Brian Carter, Ian Chodikoff, Odile Hénault, George Kapelos, Lisa Landrum, Steven Mannell, Sherry McKay, Marco Polo, Colin Ripley, Lola Sheppard, David Theodore, Larry Wayne Richards, Adele Weder, and Mason White.

The fifty-year retrospective begins with the nation’s centennial projects, including Expo 67, and then proceeds to explore national institutions and movements, regional and Indigenous architectural tendencies, and how Canadian architects interpreted major international trends. Canadian Modern Architecture, 1967 to the present also examines the influence of architects in Canada’s three largest metropolitan areas—Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

The scope of this in-depth publication is perhaps best described by Stefan Novakovic, who reviewed the book for Azure Magazine: “What’s Canadian about Canadian architecture? In a country spanning almost 10 million square kilometres, it’s an imposingly big question. A trip from coast to coast to coast traverses huge swathes of cultures and climates—and equally varied architectural landscapes. […] Canadian Modern Architecture, 1967 to the present, takes a stab at understanding what we built – and why we built it, in 15 chapters by 17 authors, and some 500 pages.” 

In an attempt to organize the tremendous amount of information at hand, the book was divided into four main thematic sections: National Movements, International Influences, Regional Responses and Centers of Influence. Topics covered include the powerful megastructure projects of the 1970s, the influence of postmodernism in the 1980s, and the distinct architectural legacy of Canada’s diverse regions. Quebec’s unique competition system, tightly linked to government programs, is explored in a chapter by David Theodore.

“This anthology […] amounts to a major achievement of collective scholarship,” writes Kenneth Frampton in a foreword to the book. He adds, “The work featured in these pages is surely what it takes, over time, to arrive at a national culture of architecture worthy of the name.”

The book is now available at major bookstores in the country and can also be ordered online. Canadian Modern Architecture, 1967 to the present was officially launched with a panel discussion in Toronto. A series of launches involving authors, editors and guests has been planned across Canada. For upcoming events, please consult this link.

Canadian Modern Architecture, 1967 to the present

Publishers: Princeton Architectural Press with Canadian Architect

Editors: Elsa Lam, Graham Livesey

Authors: George Baird, Brian Carter, Ian Chodikoff, Odile Hénault, George Kapelos, Lisa Landrum, Steven Mannell, Sherry McKay, Marco Polo, Colin Ripley, Lola Sheppard, David Theodore, Larry Wayne Richards, Adele Weder, Mason White

Graphic design: Benjamin English

Publication Date: October 28, 2019

Distributors: Raincoast (Canada); Princeton Architectural Press (USA and world)

544 pages

500 colour photos and drawings

ISBN 9781616896454