The unique design of Thorneloe University’s chapel has garnered provincial recognition alongside some of Canada’s most famous landmarks.
This year, the Fielding Memorial Chapel of St. Mark will share the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Landmark Award with the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto.
Past Landmark Award recipients include Massey College, the Toronto Eaton Centre, the CN Tower and Ontario Place.
The award recognizes “buildings that demonstrate architecture's beauty, endurance and lasting contribution to the community and to society,” which were constructed prior to 1992.
The OAA Awards Ceremony will take place on May 26, 2017 in Ottawa.
Designed by Sudbury architect Arthur Townend, the Fielding Memorial Chapel of St. Mark was constructed in 1968. It features a series of seven concrete walls placed in ascending spiral formation.
The natural light that reflects on the concrete walls transforms the colour of the worship space throughout the day, creating a warm and welcoming sanctuary.
The design features are so unique that faculty and students at the McEwan School of Architecture at Laurentian University use the chapel as a case study.
“I am delighted that Thorneloe University is receiving this distinguished honour,” said the Rev. Dr. Robert Derrenbacker, President of Thorneloe University.
“Since renovations in 2011, the chapel has been used more and more for worship, teaching and retreats. I invite members of the community to experience the space in the near future. It’s a gem on the hill on the Laurentian University campus that has brought Thorneloe University tremendous pride and praise.”
Thorneloe University has offered academic programming in the humanities for more than 50 years.
For more information about Thorneloe University, visit www.thorneloe.ca.
