Generator — Amsterdam, Netherlands
Canadian architects are often heard expressing disappointment at the conservative nature of their clients and the nation as a whole when it comes to design. And, stereotypical jibes made about Canada usually involve the word ‘boring’ at some point.
However, a quick tour of this vast country shows that while the architecture may be somewhat conservative, it can also be wonderfully considered design: elements of Swiss and Finnish architectural aesthetic blended with a vernacular born out of a harsh climate and unique geographical conditions, be they crowded cities or endless expanses of wilderness.
Canadian Modernism, to give this raft of recent and varied work a moniker, has been influenced more by early 20th Century European architecture than that of the same period in the USA. A generation of practitioners, including such includes renowned names such as Bing Thom, Shim Sutcliffe and Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg, have developed this rigorous and restrained style carefully, coaxing large corporate clients away from the excesses of 1980s architecture and convincing residential patrons of the beauty of clean modern lines.
Those schooled by these large practices are now starting to make their mark on the Canadian architectural scene. Canadian Modernism is being refined once again. It pervades all areas of the built environment, from holiday cottage to worship space and the results are one of the architectural world’s best-kept secrets, for now.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Mauritskade 57
Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.
-
Are these the most luxurious Land Rovers ever? Welcome to the refined world of Helderburg
East Coast Land Rover specialists Helderburg are committed to the very best, transforming the classic British utility vehicle into bespoke individual creations
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
A timeline of David Lynch’s dreamlike perfume commercials, from Calvin Klein to Gucci
David Lynch’s perfume commercials, created over a two-decade period, saw the visionary director focus his dreamlike lens on fragrance campaigns for Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Jil Sander, Gucci and more
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Contrast therapy meets neuroaesthetic design at this Singapore spa and bathhouse
Reap the benefits of contrast therapy, head-to-toe massage and neuroaesthetic spatial design at the Hideaway spa and bathhouse in Singapore
By Daven Wu Published
-
The most whimsical hotel Christmas trees around the world
We round up the best hotel Christmas tree collaborations of the year, from an abstract take in Madrid to a heritage-rooted installation in Amsterdam
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Six brilliant bars for your 2025 celebrations, hot off the Wallpaper* travel desk
Wallpaper’s most-read bar reviews of the year can't be wrong: here’s inspiration for your festive and new year plans, from a swanky Las Vegas lounge to a minimalist London drinking den
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
This rehabilitated arthouse cinema in the Netherlands romanticises the silver screen
Visum Mundi is an eco-conscious, boutique cinema nestled in the heart of Wageningen, Netherlands
By Daven Wu Published
-
Montreal Navigator: a guide to the city, from modernist marvels to gastronomic gems
Montreal, Quebec’s largest city, is a creative whirlwind, offering up a vibrant mix of arts and design venues, great restaurants, and a crowd-pulling cultural calendar
By Laura May Todd Published
-
Vancouver restaurant Elio Volpe evokes a sun-drenched Italian beach club
Experience the laid-back feel of coastal Italy in Elio Volpe, a transportive new restaurant designed by Ste. Marie Studio
By Charlotte Boates Published
-
Tour Hotel de L’Europe’s new ’t Huys suites, quirky spaces by Amsterdam’s top creatives
Amsterdam’s Hotel de L’Europe introduces whimsical suites by fashion designer Ronald van der Kemp, jewellery designer Bibi van der Velden, creative studio D/DOCK and more
By Nicola Leigh Stewart Published
-
Pulitzer Amsterdam’s whimsical new suites and a wellness space add to its canalside chic
In line with the city’s 750th anniversary, Pulitzer Amsterdam introduces two new Collector’s Suites, a three-storey Merchant Suite, and The Beauty House
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Take off with Wallpaper* June 2024: The Travel Issue
The Wallpaper* June 2024 Travel Issue is on sale now, ready to whisk you to the best of Ho Chi Minh City, Caracas’ modernist marvels, classy Canadian cabins, a Swiss sleep retreat, and more
By Bill Prince Published