In anticipation of the OAA’s 2023 Conference, Designing for Dignity,
we reached out to local folks from across the Sudbury region to share
what they think makes it a great place to live, work, and play. In our
‘Faces of Sudbury’ series, we share their responses, in their own words.
These personal reflections shed light
on the richness of the region, and celebrate the many facets that will
be showcased at the bespoke Conference event in June. For the first
time, the OAA is holding its annual conference at the gateway to
Northern Ontario—a place of resource extraction and regeneration, of
remoteness and richness, of communities and design challenges. The
setting prompts us to have new conversations as well as to learn from
and collaborate with local communities about the role the profession
must play in supporting dignity for all.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Tammy Gaber and I am the Director and Associate Professor of Architecture at the McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA) at Laurentian University, I am also one of the founding faculty of the school. I have authored 'Beyond the Divide: A Century of Canadian Mosque Design' published by McGill-Queen's Press based on SSHRC funded research I conducted during my time at MSoA. I have also created some large scale public art here in Sudbury including a power-up box and a large wall mural as part of the annual UpHere festival.
2. What excites you about living in the Sudbury area?
There are over 300 lakes surrounded by forests and incredible places to walk, hike, swim and skate within walking or short distances.
3. What makes Sudbury “home” for you?
The wonderful community of folks throughout the city and the creative initiatives that are constantly growing. It is also very special that MSoA is walking distance as are the nearby parks and lakes.
4. What’s your favourite building or structure in the city? Why?
The McEwen School of Architecture is our incredible campus designed by LGA: the converted heavy timber fromer train shed (and former farmers market), the converted masonry former Telegraph building and the newly built CLT building and the steel frame buildings come together beautifully in generous light-filled spaces that are wonderful to teach in and about. It has been a joy to watch the campus grow and the daily transformation by students and their work.
5. What is Sudbury’s best kept secret?
Saunas! Especially wood fired ones on the many lakes