What is Canadian architecture" For author Leslie Jen, a former associate editor at Canadian Architect, there is no single satisfactory response?but exhibiting sensitivity to local contexts, creating socially-minded places, responding to urban intensification, designing for health and aging, and meeting ecological challenges all play a role. Her book Canadian Architecture: Evolving a Cultural Identity (Figure 1 Press, 2021) profiles 68 recent projects that address these themes, testifying to the country?s thriving design culture.
For back-to-school season, here?s an excerpt from the book, presenting Leslie Jen?s selection of some of the country?s best university and workplace designs.
Brook McIlroy

Indigenous Cultural Markers at Humber College
Toronto, Ontario

2018 
A cluster of recent small projects are meaningful examples of placemaking for culturally specific communities in Canada and exemplify Brook McIlroy?s heavily collaborative and inclusive approach to design that respects and encourages under-represented communities to be heard, seen and experienced. All the projects occupy a variety of public spaces?mostly outdoor?and are united by the notions of gathering, contemplation and celebration, engendering pride and reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging.  
Indigenous Cultural Markers (page 62 ? Tom Ridout)
Led by Brook McIlroy?s Indigenous Design Studio, two recently completed projects aim to recognize First Nations presence and to advance truth an...