Location: Offsite - buses and meeting spot, Parker Building, Laurentian Main campus

Please report 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure to the OAA Dispatch Hub located next to Registration in the R.D. Parker Building

3.5 ConEd Learning Hours
3.5 AIA LU
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m

This architectural tour of the works of Arthur Townend leads you through three unique architectural examples of regional modernism, a home designed for the architect and his family, a home designed for a client, and a modest chapel set into the landscape.
These three works speak to a unique understanding of the rugged and beautiful natural landscape. Inspired by client stories describing the architect hunched over with a ruler in hand, precisely measuring the Sudbury rock which for so long was perceived as a nuisance, the tour focuses on the unique architecture that emerged due to Townend’s radical and spirited perspective—seeing the rock as a vital design resource.

Learning Objectives
1. Discover the architectural manifestation of one architect’s radical philosophy regarding topographically rich natural landscapes.
2. Explore three architectural works that each accomplish a strong connection with the natural landscape using three thoughtfully unique methods.
3. See the similarities, variations, and consistent themes in an architect’s work across multiple project and client types.
4. Observe extraordinary views of the City of Greater Sudbury while gaining an inspired perspective on how one might design for the natural landscape.

Louis Bélanger, Architect, B.E.S., B.Arch, OAA, MRAIC, is a founding partner of the architectural firm of Bélanger Salach Architecture. Fluently bilingual, Louis has developed relationships with the Francophone community and his unique combination of skills and experience in a wide variety of projects has contributed to the diversity of the firm’s portfolio. Louis’ experience with leading large-scale community projects in Greater Sudbury is unparalleled. With 33 years of in-depth, hands-on, local experience, he brings strong leadership to the firm’s institutional design team. He has been the lead architect and project manager on many community-minded projects such as Place des Arts, Health Sciences North phase 1 revitalization project, South End Community Library, the Northern Water Sports Centre, Countryside Arena, Pioneer Manor, Elgin Street Greenway and St. Joseph Parking Lot Redevelopment at Bell Park.

Braeden Martel is a recent Master of Architecture graduate at the McEwen School of Architecture Master where his studies focused on cultural and environmental sustainability. During his studies, he developed a deep understanding of the work and process of Arthur Townend through extensive archival research along with first-person research documenting, through literature and mixed media, the architectural impact of Arthur Townend.

Mark Baechler is an assistant professor at the McEwen School of Architecture, Laurentian University, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate design studio and architectural drawing courses. He holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture professional degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. Mark is a registered architect with the OAA.

Activity Level: Moderate (Comfortable shoes are recommended. Dress appropriately for weather.)