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ARTH3810 2019F Class Projects (Publication) Main Menu The Tent Room at Rideau Hall Kyle Kreutner, Page 1 of 6 The Webley Shacks: Unconventional Furniture Use in the Context of Ceaseless Surveillance Jose Bawagan Imperial Theater By Munawar Mobin Keagan F - CSTM Sound History Introduction The Mayfair Theatre Simran S. An Investigation of Hospital Interiors Effect on Patients 144 Loretta Avenue North, Aidan MacNaull Aidan MacNaull 144 Loretta Avenue North West Block - Canada's New House of Commons by Devon Rudyk Rideau Street Chapel: The Effects of Relocation on the Experience of an Interior by Ty Follis The Church of St. Andrew's Ottawa David Bastien-Allard Making the Past Present: Union Station Restoration – A Political Facelift? by Vivian Astroff Delegation of the Ismali Imamat The National Arts Centre: Reflecting on its Past and Present Saint Paul University - A Shift in Values Reem Siage Film in Ottawa: The Mayfair theatre by Giovanna Maria Sang CGM -An Investigation of Hospital Interiors Effect on Patients The Chateau Laurier By Jessica El-Ghazal Reusable Space: The Senate of Canada Building by Syenne Holder National Gallery of Canada - Seeing the Colonnade Through a Semiological Lens by Ricky Tong Ricky THE OTTAWA STATION Ehidiamen Iyamabo, HomePage

Interior view of the station

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THE INTERIOR Built using the fundamentals of the International Style, it is an escape from the typical train station form of the past. The Classical style is usually the go-to format when designing a train station, which is evident in the form of the old station. Here, Parkin made a decision to remodel the idea of what a train station should look like. Instead of adopting a temple front on the exterior and the use of columns and arches in the interior, he referred to the use of large concrete piers and exposed metal framework. American art historian, Alfred Barr stated the International style was “based upon modern materials and structure, as well as slender steel posts and beams and, concrete reinforced by steel.” (Mallgrave, 164) This can be seen in the roofing of the station, as well as its supports. Also, with the roofing extending from the interior out to the exterior, they complement each other and can be compared to train tracks due to its many intersections and general formation. Thus laying emphasis on the building’s function as a train station, showing that Parkin intended to design a building that its form followed its function.

With an industrial appearance as well as multiple entrances, the flow of passengers in and out of the building is very easy and effective. Its interior has a large open space with a central hub for customer service. Following the rules of the International Style, the train station rejects ornament in order to avoid distraction from the building's main function. With its glass skin, an airy and illuminated feeling is given to the space, which opens it up, gives off a taller appearance and, makes the space feel lighter and comforting. It also brings the exterior environment into the interior. The soothing feeling of the illuminated space is to give the travellers a sense of peace and safety, assuring them of a safe journey to their destination.

In September 2016, $20million was allocated towards the renovation of the station. This was used to build an elevated and heated passenger platform, new elevators to the tunnel and boarding platforms, a new electrical room and an upgraded electrical system. (CTV Ottawa) This was not the first time renovations were made in the station. In 2007, $5.4 million was allotted to the upgrading of the station. This included the installation of new escalators, additional work spaces, washroom upgrades, business lounge renovations, the restoration of the steel structure inside the station as well as improvements to the ventilation system and the boarding platform. (Daily Commercial News 89, no 203)