As a human being, the vast majority of information is obtained by sight. What we see can serve us to survive but also enrich our feelings. In a matter of fact, we are all aesthetes in essence. Traveling around the globe to see something extraordinary, chasing for a perfect sunset to see it and feel it is a normal thing to do. We are attracted by beautiful people, beautiful places, and surroundings. There are many reasons that can attract us to a certain place, but usually, it is the spirit of that place and the architecture that will leave you breathless. When you planning to visit or move to Canada, it is good to know what to expect. In all cases, you should explore and take a sneak peek at the most popular architectural styles in Canada.
From the beginning
Architecture has great importance and it has developed significantly through history. Imhotep, who lived around 2600 BCE is the first identified architect in history. He designed the first Egyptian pyramid complex, the world’s first known extensive stone structure, inspired the later more extravagant pyramids. From that moment, architecture begins to develop and affects people’s daily lives.
Canadian style
Canada is countries in North America that lie in between the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, on the south and west boarded with the United States. It shares boundaries with Greenland to the northeast and with France’s overseas collectivity to the southeast. It has the world’s largest proportion of freshwater lakes, boreal forests prevail throughout the country, ice is prominent in northern Arctic regions and through the Rocky Mountains, and there are relatively flat Canadian Prairies in the southwest. Above all, Canada is geologically active, having many earthquakes and potentially active volcanoes. Every fact from this list influenced the development of architectural styles in Canada and the way of life in Canada.
What you can expect?
If you are planning a visit or even a relocation, it is important to take a sneak peek at the most popular architectural style in Canada. This way you will know what to expect. At least, the only thing you don’t have to bother with is moving. Number 1 Movers are really the best in their job. You can enjoy and explore a new environment while they move your belongings to a new address. Have in mind, before you come, that Canadian culture is a mixture of British, French, and American influences. Therefore, the style developed over time had many phases that it went through and design has long needed to be adapted to Canada’s climate and geography, and through time it begins to reflect the uniqueness of Canadian culture. Nowadays for instance a prominent heritage preservation movement developed. Most cities today have heritage districts of restored structures.
The most popular architectural styles in Canada
Today’s Canadian architectural style is colorful. Heritage preservation has a great influence nowadays. When moving, it is essential to find what suits you. After the move, it is important to furnish new space and turn it into your home. For your interior to be beautiful, it is important that someone packs and moves your belongings safely. During the move, adequate supplies are essential. Firmer and better boxes will protect your items and will allow you to safely relocate everything. That way, you will be pleased with the interior of your new home. When it comes to the exterior, you can choose among many options.
Cottage for your dreams
Cottage style home is one of the popular ones. It includes shingled, stucco walls, balconies, small porches, gable roofs, and bay windows. Above all, it is warm and cozy style and it is perfect for family living and it celebrates life’s imperfections and does not obey the latest trends when it comes to furnishing. This type of home is usually practical and it is perfect if you don’t want to take care of larger homes.
Keep the tradition
Traditional Style is the most common style you can find and it is a mix of many classic, simple designs typical for many regions. It includes little ornamentation, simple rooflines, symmetrically spaced windows.
Modern architectural styles in Canada
Expression modern style home typically refers to a very distinctive architectural style of home. The modern home design emphasizes clean lines and geometric shapes, and you can see simple shapes and intentional asymmetry.
Nature is all that we need
Craftsman homes are one of the most popular in Canada. Homes are built with natural materials, like wood, stone, or a combination of both. Usually, you can see pitched roofs, decently sized windows, and lots of brick, stone, or wooden detail which are the main feature of the house.
Your own piece of land
The ranch-style home is a domestic architectural style that fuses modernist ideas and styles with notions of the American Western period. There are wide open spaces and intend to create a casual living style. Ranch style was basic in design such as varying rooflines, cathedral ceilings, sunken living rooms, and extensive landscaping and grounds.
Developmental stages of architectural styles in Canada
Like every other aspect of society, architecture in Canada has phases of evolving. The development was mainly influenced by the environment, immigrants, and weather conditions. Throughout history popular architectural styles in Canada have passed the stages:
- First Nations stage
- The arrival of the Europeans
- Georgian style
- Victorian-style
- Canadian styles
- Modernism
- The international style
- Late and postmodernism
Nomadic style
The first nation stage was the semi-nomadic style of living. They lived in wigwams that were wood-framed structures, covered with an outer layer of bark, reeds, or woven mats. They were usually in a cone shape although sometimes a dome.
European phase
This phase brought new styles of construction. The city had a large fortress and outer walls and was divided into two sections and the houses were usually built of wood and stone.
Georgian home style
The most common design consisted of a rectangular wooden building with the main gable over the short sides, and a smaller gable over the main entrance.
Before the Grear war
Victorian architecture dominated Canada from the mid-nineteenth century up to the First World War.
After the war
came after the First World War. Canadian nationalism led to attempts to proclaim a unique Canadian architecture. Making a distance from Britain and the United States was the goal.
A step into a modern age
Modernism appeared in the Prairie Style, well suited to the Canadian terrain. It became a popular style for homes and other structures.
After the Second World War
The international style came after the Second World War. Unique Canadian styles faded as the international style became dominant in Canada. For instance, a major building boom happened in Canada.
Postmodern architectural styles in Canada
This became more dominant in the 1970s. Everyone moved to influence the development of architecture in favor of heritage preservation.
In conclusion, the most important thing is that you can find inspiration in Canada. A sneak peek at the most popular architectural styles in Canada will give you an opportunity to come up with something of your own. Find what you like and make your home perfect.