Why Does Architecture in Canada Feel Uninspired?

Architecture is one of the most emblematic representations of culture, as it can reflect the historical, sociological, and anthropological makeup of a city or country. When comparing North America and Europe, for instance, the approach to architecture is one of the most striking differences. European cities are often full of historic buildings and classically designed architecture, while the architecture of North American cities may seem unimaginative and boring in comparison.

Let’s take a closer look at why these differences exist and what they can tell us about the cultural differences between Europe and North America—specifically Canada, where I live.

Historical Differences between Canadian and European Architecture

Canada is a relatively new country, but European countries have much longer histories dating back several centuries or even millennia.

Many major European cities have retained their historical buildings, leading to a wider range of architectural styles, such as Classical, Gothic, and Baroque. Conversely, Canada’s relatively short history as a country has led to an architectural style that is more influenced by Modernism.

Before European colonization, Canada’s Indigenous peoples each had their own styles of architecture, which were mainly comprised of fairly simple and functional structures, such as wigwams. While modern Indigenous groups continue to use these structures today, the Indigenous history of Canada has largely been erased and relegated to reservations. As a result, Canada’s architecture mainly reflects the country’s colonial history, with heavy influences from both French and British architectural styles, along with some Indigenous elements.

But in many European cities, the older architecture is still standing and tells a story. For instance, in the Andalusia region of Southern Spain, major cities like Granada and Seville feature a combination of Moorish and Christian architecture. These contrasting styles illustrate the tumultuous history of the country. The ornate Moorish palaces reflect the 800 years of Moorish Spain, while the cathedrals illustrate the transition to a Catholic nation.

How Climate Influences Architecture

With its colder and harsher winters and hotter summers, Canada generally has a more extreme climate than most of Europe. Climate is one of the main influences in architecture across the world, so these differences in climate account for many of the differences between Canadian and European architecture.

When designing buildings in Canada, architects must consider the country’s long, cold, and snowy winters, as well as its hot summers. For example, buildings in the country’s colder regions often have large windows and openings facing south, which allows for passive solar heating during the winter. Canadian buildings also typically have thicker walls, better insulation, and more energy-efficient systems as a response to extreme climate conditions.

Of course, Europe’s climates vary drastically from north to south, but the continent generally has milder conditions compared to Canada. In areas with hotter summers, such as Southern Spain and Italy, open-air architectural features like courtyards and terraces are used as a form of natural ventilation to combat the heat. While functional, these features also add a unique aesthetic flair not seen in Canada.

Cultural Influences on Architecture in Europe

The iconic architecture of ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans has influenced architecture throughout Europe over the centuries. Features like columns, pediments, and symmetrical design made a comeback during the Renaissance era and are still used in modern architecture in many European countries.

The Gothic architecture of the Middle Ages has also made a major impact on modern European architecture, especially with features like ornate decor, ribbed vaults, and pointed arches. The Gothic style also influenced some of the most popular later styles of European architecture, such as Art Nouveau and Victorian design.

In Southern Spain and Portugal, the Moors brought Islamic architecture from Northern Africa to Europe. If you visit these countries today, you will find a variety of Islamic features, including mosaic tiles, geometric patterns, and luxurious gardens and courtyards.

In the 20th century, Modernism became the dominant architectural style in Europe. This style of architecture prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and the use of industrial materials. Modernism’s influence eventually spread from Europe to North America and has inspired much of the architectural makeup of modern Canada and the United States.

Cultural Influences on Canadian Architecture

In my opinion, the modernist era of architecture has made Canada’s architecture relatively boring compared to the architectural works of art found in many major European cities. This may be partly due to the growth of the suburbs, the economic downturn of the 1980s, and the explosion of real estate development in the form of apartments and condominiums in large cities like Toronto.

In addition, Canada can be a culturally conservative country, and this trait may also influence our architecture. This cultural conservatism makes some Canadians averse to the idea of investing in the aesthetics of architecture, and these groups may prefer simpler, inexpensive architecture that prioritizes function.

That being said, Canada does have some architectural marvels to be proud of, such as the iconic TD Bank Tower and the international projects of the famous Canadian architect Frank Gehry.