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

RUD - More Courtyards

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Another inspiration for the courtyard at West Block was the courtyard found at the British Museum in London, England. It was originally built to provide easier circulation for the increasing number of tourists visiting the museum each year. Like West Block, it provides visitors with many of the benefits of an opened courtyard, such as natural light and a connection to nature (in this case the natural stone on the building)(Foster, 4-91). Courtyards were originally designed as a space within a residence where occupants would enjoy the benefits of being outdoors, while also having the privacy and seclusion of being in their own home. For the House of Commons, the illusion of nature is fostered by the green carpet, steel “trees,” bright light and natural stone and wood used on the walls. The hope is that the same health and psychological benefits gained from spending time in an open courtyard will also be acquired here, thereby positively influencing the members of parliament within. ((Ottawa Citizen, “West Block's House of Commons”)

Considering that Canada is a relatively young country with a very cold climate,  courtyards are not as popular as they are in Europe, Asia or the Middle East. However, several courtyards can be found in the older parts of Canadian cities.. These tend not to be located in the center of a single building, but rather are formed when four or more building enclose a space behind them, as seen in the figure above. In Ottawa, several courtyards of this type  can be found in the Byward Market. (Khalili, 2–87)

With the increasing awareness of climate change, cities have started building up rather than out, a practise known as densifying. Common techniques include building taller structures, giving old buildings new uses and filling in parking lots or courtyards with liveable spaces. In Europe, it is very common to find a courtyard or street that is covered to protect pedestrians from the wind or rain. Some buildings such as the British Museum have sealed off the courtyard completely and climatized the space within. In Canada, there are far fewer covered courtyards and walkways. Perhaps it is due to the shortage of courtyards to begin with, or the difficulty and cost in designing structures to meet the demand of Canadian winters. The attention that has been drawn to the  West Block courtyard after it was covered and converted into a space to hold the House of Commons may inspire more Canadian cities to attempt a similar project. 

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  1. West Block - Canada's New House of Commons Devon Rudyk

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