By Rick Gardner
Fifty architectural technology students from Vanier College spent April 4, 2025, touring the Canadian Museum of Nature and Parliament’s West Block, both architecturally significant landmarks in Ottawa. The trip was made possible through a grant from the RCI Foundation Canada.
Martin Leclerc, director of facilities at the Museum of Nature, provided an in-depth look at the building’s architectural evolution since its construction in 1905 and its renovation and expansion in the 2010s. His unique perspective highlighted the complexities of managing a century-old structure that remains a cutting-edge hub of innovation and research.
Ted Sheridan, treasurer of the RCI Foundation Canada, was able to speak with the students about IIBEC and his role as a consultant. “I was impressed by the foresight of both Vanier College and the Museum of Nature to bring this opportunity to life,” Sheridan said. “The students heard, felt, and saw firsthand the importance of building enclosures in the health of building occupants and the preservation of valuable building contents, with a sensitivity toward Canadian heritage.”
Students got a chance to literally walk inside the museum’s walls. The cavity (almost three-feet wide in some areas), known as a “dynamic buffer zone,” keeps indoor and outdoor climate conditions separate. Temperature, humidity, and pressure can be controlled inside the museum (as needed, depending on the nature of the exhibits) without disturbing the historic exterior walls, ensuring their preservation. Artifacts inside the museum and the historic enclosure surrounding the museum are preserved by maintaining different and independent environments for each.
“While most people visit the museum to explore the discoveries of our natural world, our class went to discover the innovative renovation techniques, of which the museum served as a perfect example,” said student Victoria Cinelli. “The renovation team demonstrated the true essence of keeping up with modern techniques, while still honoring our historic buildings.”
The group then visited Parliament’s West Block, recently reopened after a decade-long renovation project. The tour showcased the restoration and adaptive reuse of this 19th-century Gothic Revival building, now serving as the temporary House of Commons, while Parliament’s Centre Block is restored. The outing concluded with a walking tour of Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market.
“The visits connected classroom theory to real-world applications in a powerful way,” said Michael Lancione, department coordinator. “They were an opportunity for students to experience firsthand the challenges and triumphs of heritage conservation and modern design.”
“We are grateful for the RCI Foundation’s generous support, enabling us to provide students with this unique learning experience that extends beyond the classroom,” said Haritos Kavallos, faculty dean of science at Vanier College.
The RCI Foundation Canada’s support of this trip was made possible by donor support of the foundation’s general fund. If you or your company is interested in donating to support programs such as this, please contact Rick Gardner, development officer for the RCI Foundation Canada. at Rgardner@iibec.org or 800-828-1902.
