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Public Service Alliance of Canada
Location: 233, Gilmour Street
Architect: Schoeler Heaton Harvor Menendez, constructed: 1968-9  |  | | << Previous | Photo 1 of 1 | Next >> |
The unusual curved façade and simple oval plan of this well detailed building give its occupant/owner, the Public Service Alliance of Canada an undeniable presence in the city.
This powerful architectural statement can be seen several blocks away, in an area of mostly low-rise, older buildings. On closer look, the well-proportioned windows and high-quality details fit in with the distinctive heritage buildings on nearby Metcalfe Street.
To deal with the pressure created by the air-foil effect of the building's vertical wing-like shape, the window glass are thicker at the top. The decorative spandrel panels between the windows and the smooth glossy brown brick accentuate the verticality of the building.
The building 'floats' on a raft foundation, most suitable on the Leda clay below.
For more details on this building, please refer to the book, Exploring Ottawa, by Harold Dalman and John Roaf. U of T Press, 1983. Pg.54
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