DOMINION OBSERVATORY
The work displayed below for this project was completed in collaboration with Jemma Johnson for ARCN4100 | Historic Site Recording and Assessment. October 2021 - December 2021.
CONTEXT + HISTORY
The Dominion Observatory, a historic site, is located at 1 Observatory Crescent, Ottawa and was constructed in 1904 for astronomical research. Not only is the materiality a reflection of the building style of the early 20th century, but the architectural style as well (Romanesque and Edwardian style). However, it is now being rented by a variety of companies. Using ArcGIS, the surrounding area was mapped to identify the scale of the property in relation to the neighbourhood it resides in. Context Capture was used in order to aid in recreating a portion of the building’s front elevation using AutoCAD to scale. This drawing displays several prominent character-defining elements such as the masonry details, the brickwork, and the iron work on the railing and on the clock. Notes were also taken on the condition of the building and results of weathering over the years.
CHARACTER-DEFINING ELEMENTS
COPPER DOME + CLOCK ON FACADE + EXTERIOR WALL MATERIALS
The frontal elevation (facing south) shows most of the character defining elements and the most authentic parts of the building’s façade. The central tower with the green copper dome is seen, as well as the wings on either side. The copper dome is retractable and is seen on the central tower and appears green because of the oxidized copper material. Although it is no longer the original copper colour, the green hue contributes to the building’s unique colour palette and therefore contributes to the authenticity of the building as a whole.
The clock on the façade is found below the copper dome and above the crest, and is located on the central tower of the observatory. It also hints to the original purpose of the building, as people used to keep time using astronomy. This was used to keep time for all parts of Canada. The clock is surrounded by red Sackville sandstone.
The exterior wall materials are mainly composed of Nepean sandstone, red Sackville sandstone, and rusticated limestone along the base of the façade. This stone contributes to the warm tones of the building’s colour palette. One of the materials used throughout the façade is Nepean sandstone, which makes up the jagged rock areas of the exterior walls in between the trim of the doors and windows. The colour varies from brick to brick, the overall hue of the stone is a yellow-brown colour. This materials also reflects the style of Ottawa at the time of the building’s construction (1902).
CANADIAN PRIME MERIDIAN PLAQUE
The Canadian Prime Meridian Plaque can be found on the north and south facades of the building. Because of the need for precision using this mark, demolition and construction is troublesome, as the potential movement of the ground will affect the exact position of the plaque.
OBSERVATORY CREST
The crest found on the façade of the building is the Canadian Royal Coat of Arms, and it is reflective of the Dominion Observatory’s importance as a federal building in Ottawa. The crest itself and the “Observatory” label underneath is carved from red Sackville sandstone.
Another major material used in the facade of the observatory is red Sackville sandstone. While the Nepean sandstone covers the space in between the trim of doors and windows, the red Sackville sandstone is used for the trim and the corners of the exterior. The arched front entrance is framed by short columns. These columns have foliated capitals, which is significant to Romanesque architecture.
DOMINION OBSERVATORY ENTRANCE
WEATHERING + CONDITION ASSESSMENT
On the north façade, and the limestone wrapped along the base has been marked with black stains because of weathering and a build up of different minerals.
The dentils and sandstone of the observatory have been affected by rain damage and exhibit efflorescence, especially on the south façade.
