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Building O-102

Canadian Forces Base Borden / Base des forces canadiennes Borden, Ontario, Canada

Formally Recognized: 1995/04/11

General view of Building O-102, showing the general symmetrical plan and overall horizontally-emphasized massing of the building, 1992.; Department of National Defence / Ministère de la Défense nationale, 1992.
General view
Rear view of Building O-102, showing the wrap-around continuity of the window surrounds, 1992.; Department of National Defence / Ministère de la Défense nationale, 1992.
Rear view
Corner view of Building O-102, showing the hybrid modernistic style, 1992.; Department of National Defence / Ministère de la Défense nationale, 1992.
Corner view

Other Name(s)

Building O-102
Administration Building
Bureau de l'administration

Links and documents

Construction Date(s)

1940/01/01

Listed on the Canadian Register: 2009/01/19

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

Building O-102, also known as the Administration Building, sits atop a small rise overlooking the intersection of El Alamein and Cambrai roads at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden. This large, rectangular building is a stucco-clad structure with a central projecting entrance, flat roofs and slightly projecting eaves. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Building O-102 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
Building O-102 is associated with the massive construction and modernization program undertaken by the Department of National Defence (DND) at the end of the Second World War (1939-1945). More specifically, it is associated with the creation of permanent peacetime armed forces as well as the expansion and transformation of the military services to meet specific national commitments in the early years of the Cold War (1945-1957). Building O-102 was a forerunner of the postwar consolidation and expansion of the base to accommodate a wide variety of new functions.

Architectural Value
Building O-102 is a good example of a military building that combines architectural modernism and functionalism in a durable and economical form. Characterized by its horizontally emphasized massing, symmetrical plan and vertical emphasis of the entrance pavilion and stairtower, the overall effect is of an industrial office block in a hybrid style of asymmetrical modernist formalism and Prairie-style proportions. It was a project developed by DND staff as an exemplar for the new standards of improved accommodations that followed the Second World War.

Environmental Value
Building O-102 at CFB Borden is compatible with the present character of its military setting and is a well-known building at the base.

Sources: Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report (SCR), 94-088; Administration Building, Building O-102, Camp Borden, C.F.B. Borden, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 94-088.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of Building O-102 should be respected.

Its combination of architectural modernism and functionalism in a durable and economical form, for example:
- the general symmetrical plan and overall horizontally-emphasized massing of the building, reinforced by the wrap-around continuity of the window surrounds;
- the asymmetries and vertical contrasts of the projecting entrance pavilions and the stair tower and windows;
- the hybrid modernistic style, a combination of aspects of asymmetrical formalism and detailing with Prairie-style massing and proportions.

The manner in which building O-102 is compatible to the present character of its military setting and is a familiar building on the base, as evidenced by:
- its elevated siting, freestanding diagonal orientation, and park-like landscape frontage;
- its contrast of orientation and landscape to the adjacent building groups of the base plan;
- its visibility vis-à-vis its scale and elevated location at the base, as well as its association as the administrative centre which makes it a well-known landmark.

Recognition

Jurisdiction

Federal

Recognition Authority

Government of Canada

Recognition Statute

Treasury Board Heritage Buildings Policy

Recognition Type

Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Recognition Date

1995/04/11

Historical Information

Significant Date(s)

n/a

Theme - Category and Type

Function - Category and Type

Current

Historic

Defence
Military Support

Architect / Designer

Department of National Defence

Builder

n/a

Additional Information

Location of Supporting Documentation

National Historic Sites Directorate, Documentation Centre, 5th Floor, Room 89, 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, Quebec

Cross-Reference to Collection

Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier

10141

Status

Published

Related Places

n/a

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