The Dominion
The London Dominion Public Building is one of Canada’s
heritage landmarks. This web-based documentary
explores the building, its history and present day significance.
Hard Times
In the 1930s -the decade also known as the Hungry Thirties-,
unemployment reached alarming rates.
The Public Works Construction Act
As an answer to the crisis, the Canadian Parliament approved
a federal program for the construction and improvement of public works.
The main objective was the creation of jobs.
London, Ontario
London, in South Western Ontario, was chosen as the location
for the construction of one of the major enterprises: a 'federal building'.
It was a place designed to provide services for the community.
Design
The building was designed by two local architectural firms:
Watt & Blackwell and Roy. O Moore,
following the specifications provided by Public Works Canada.
Drawings in High Resolution
We found the original drawings of the building
in a perfect state of preservation. They have been digitized in high resolution
for the appreciation of every single detail.
ELEVATION | PLANS AND SECTIONS | DETAILS
The Lost Art of Drawing Buildings
This short film showcases the original drawings
and pays tribute to the draftsmen's labour, artistry and technique.
THE LOST ART OF DRAWING BUILDINGS (SHORT FILM)
Men at Work
The work on the construction site started in the Spring of 1934,
Men at Work shows the development, week after week.
MEN AT WORK (SHORT FILM) | THE CONSTRUCTION SITE
A Closer Look
A closer look at the photos provides an insight into
the details of daily life in the construction site.
Architectural Values
Why is the building so special?
A few details about the building’s aesthetic and functional design,
according to the report for its designation as a Federal Heritage Property
ARCHITECTURAL VALUES | ART DECO ELEMENTS | OTHER FEDERAL BUILDINGS
A thing of beauty
This short film captures the architectural features of
the building in the early morning light.
London Then
Images of London, Ontario in the 1930s,
including a restored and remixed version of Welcome to London,
an unfinished promotional film produced in 1935.
WELCOME TO LONDON | PEOPLE | THE YEAR OF THE THREE KINGS | ROYAL VISIT | WAR
London Then
Images of London, Ontario in the 1930s,
including a restored and remixed version of Welcome to London,
an unfinished promotional film produced in 1935.
WELCOME TO LONDON | PEOPLE | THE YEAR OF THE THREE KINGS | ROYAL VISIT | WAR
