Architecture and Identity

Aerial view of Parliament Hill, Ottawa (photo by tsaiproject from Canada - Parliament Hill from a Hot Air Balloon, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Y2K, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80214317)

I’m writing this from Ottawa, Canada, the last stop on a trip that has also taken me to Montreal and Quebec City. As a Canadian who has lived in the U.S. on and off since I was 21 (I’m now 65), I’ve often found myself reflecting on the differences between the two countries—especially since so many people, particularly those who have not lived in both, see them as essentially the same. While Canada and the U.S. share a common border, a language, and many cultural similarities, their fundamental distinctions lie in their political histories, social values, and approaches to governance. Being in Ottawa has me thinking again about these contrasts, particularly as they’re expressed through architecture. Specifically, the Gothic Revival style of Canada’s Parliament Buildings stands in stark contrast to the Neoclassical design of the U.S. Capitol Building. What does this contrast reveal about each nation’s unique history and identity?

The Gothic Revival architecture of Canada’s Parliament Buildings in Ottawa is a significant marker of national identity, even as its meaning has evolved over time.(1) The Gothic Revival style reflected Canada’s status as a British dominion, aligning with architectural trends across the British Empire and symbolizing continuity with Britain’s political and cultural heritage. In contrast to the Neoclassical architecture of the U.S. Capitol, which celebrates ideals of democracy and republicanism rooted in ancient Greece and Rome, Canada’s Gothic Revival style conveyed values of tradition, order, and a constitutional monarchy—a system that balanced democratic governance with a respect for historical continuity. 

U. S. Capitol Building, east front (photo by Senate Democrats, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

While the Neoclassical style might have suggested a desire for a break from monarchical rule or a shift toward republicanism, the Gothic Revival style affirmed Canada’s unique path as a country that evolved within the framework of the British Commonwealth. This architectural choice helped differentiate Canada from the United States, which had already employed Neoclassical design to emphasize its revolutionary break from Britain. By embracing Gothic Revival, Canada signaled its commitment to a distinct political culture, one that favored gradual evolution over radical change. 

Today, this architectural distinction continues to be relevant, underscoring the differences in national identity and political culture between Canada and its southern neighbor. The Gothic style of the Parliament Buildings serves as a physical reminder of Canada's separate path, reflecting its evolution from a colony to a sovereign nation with its own democratic traditions. The buildings’ pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate detailing evoke a sense of history and permanence, reinforcing a collective identity rooted in a shared past while also symbolizing Canada’s values of stability, continuity, and inclusivity. 

The Gothic Revival style has also taken on broader, more contemporary meanings. While originally chosen to emphasize Canada’s ties to Britain, the style now represents the nation’s unique democratic heritage, independent of its colonial associations. The Parliament Buildings have become a symbol of Canadian sovereignty, multiculturalism, and the country's commitment to its own democratic principles. They also serve as a backdrop for political life and public debate, embodying the openness and inclusivity that are central to Canada’s identity. 

The Centre Block in the process of restoration (my photo).

Canada’s approach to preserving and modernizing the Parliament Buildings further reflects its current values. The current restoration project(2) balances the need to maintain heritage and historical integrity with a commitment to accessibility and sustainability, mirroring the country’s broader goals of environmental stewardship and inclusivity. These efforts demonstrate a respect for the past while embracing progress, ensuring that the Parliament Buildings remain relevant to future generations. 

The distinctive Gothic Revival architecture also plays a crucial role in national pride and cultural identity. As one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks, the Parliament Buildings are instantly recognizable and prominently featured in national imagery, tourism, and public consciousness. Their unique architectural style not only sets Canada apart from other nations but also celebrates its diversity and its status as a bilingual, multicultural country where diverse voices are represented. 

Ultimately, the choice of Gothic Revival architecture continues to reinforce Canada’s distinct path in the world. Unlike the revolutionary origins of the United States, Canada’s nationhood was shaped by negotiation, compromise, and a gradual evolution toward independence. The Parliament Buildings embody this balanced approach, an avatar for a country that honors its heritage while looking toward the future. They are a testament to Canada’s historical continuity, its political evolution, and its commitment to both tradition and democratic values, creating a bridge between the past and the present that continues to shape the country’s unique place in the world.

(1) The original Canadian Parliament Buildings in Ottawa were designed by the British architect Thomas Fuller and his partner Chilion Jones. Their design, completed in the Gothic Revival style, was chosen through a competition held in 1859. Unfortunately, the original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1916. The current Parliament Buildings, completed in the 1920s, were rebuilt based on Fuller and Jones's designs but with some modifications to modernize the structure while preserving its original Gothic Revival aesthetic.

The timing of the construction was strategic, as the buildings were designed to represent the newly formed Confederation and its aspirations. By the time Canada was officially a confederated nation in 1867, the Parliament Buildings were already well underway, helping to establish Ottawa as the political capital of the new Dominion. The buildings' completion and the formal establishment of Confederation were closely aligned, symbolizing the nation's emerging identity and governance. 

(2) Unfortunately, the main Parliament Building (the Centre Block) is closed for rehabilitation during my visit. The West Block is serving as the temporary seat of the House of Commons, which I was able to tour.