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Bélanger Salach Architecture[edit]

The firms office located at 255 Larch Street, Sudbury, Ontario, P3B 1M2
Bélanger Salach Architecture office located at 255 Larch Street, Sudbury, Ontario, P3B 1M2

Bélanger Salach Architecture (also known as BSA) is a bilingual, full-service architectural firm that is located in Sudbury, Ontario[1]. The firm was founded in 1964 by Arthur Townend along with his partner John Stefura[2]. Since its founding, it has been involved in the design of numerous buildings within the landscape of Sudbury[3]. The firm specializes in a diverse range of architectural projects, including recreational, healthcare, educational, and toursim facilities[4]. Their expertise extends beyond Sudbury, contributing to the design of various facilities across Ontario and even internationally[4]. The firm is led by Louis Bélanger and Amber Salach, who are both senior partners of the firm[5]. Bélanger Salach approaches architecture with a deep understanding of the local culture, harmonizing functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, while utilizing each site to its full potential[6][7]. The trajectory of the firm has been shaped by numerous collaborations with architectural firms throughout the years, contributing to a diverse portfolio and sustained growth[4][8]. Over the years, Bélanger Salach has garnered numerous awards and recognition for their architectural works with the most recent being the 2023 Architecture Press Release Awards for Place de Arts[9].

History[edit]

During the post WWII era in Sudbury Ontario, a partnership between Canadian architects S. Arthur Townend and John Stefura was created. This partnership, which would evolve to include many other members who would come and go would eventually facilitate the creation of Belanger Salach Architects as we know the firm today. Townend and Stefura would create their firm with the intention of responding architecturally to the unique Sudburian landscape, with its rocky topography, lack of trees and artistically arid architecture scene. Soon after Townend and Stefura united, They teamed up with Orest Baleshta to create Townend Stefura Baleshta Architects in 1964. This trio would go on to make a significant impact on Sudbury’s architectural landscape, especially within the downtown area throughout the late 1960’s and 1970’s. The first building the firm created would be the Laurentian Hospital in 1964. Some notable examples of Townend Stefura Baleshta Architects’ work include the Thornloe Chapel (1967) and Tom Davies Civic Square now known as Tom Davies Square (1973). As the 1980’s neared, Blaine Nicholls was added to the team of architects at the firm, making it Townend Stefura Baleshta and Nicholls Architects in 1979. Together, and in collaboration with Moriyama Teshima Architects, Science North was designed and began construction in 1981 and finished in 1984. This would become one of the most important buildings in Sudbury that was unrelated to its mining activity, and give people from out of town to visit Sudbury. Townend and Stefura's partnership would finally come to an end in 1988 as Townend retired. Stefura’s retirement would come in 1993, leaving Nicholls to partner with Louis Bélanger and Rick Yallowega, transforming the firm into Nicholls Yallowega Bélanger Architects. During this era for the firm, the design focus would shift from being artistically motivated, to being more profit motivated. Nicholls Yallowega Bélanger would design many schools, including St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, and École Secondaire Catholique du Sacre-Coeur in Sudbury. Upon the arrival of the 2010’s, the Yallowega Bélanger Architects designed more prolific buildings such as Dynamic Earth, the South End Public Library and the Northern Water Sports Centre among many other projects. After Rick Yallowega left the firm, Amber Salach joined Louis Bélanger in Bélanger Salach Architects which brings the firm’s timeline to the present day. The firm continues to design buildings to fit the architectural needs of Greater Sudbury and beyond, with their most recent prolific project, Place Des Art, Opening in April of 2022.

*Sources will be added in later*

Design Philosophy[edit]

1964 - 1979 | Townened Stefura Beleshta Architects | Design Philosophy: Brutalism

1979 - 1993 | Townend Stefura Baleshta Nicholls Architects | Design Philosophy: Modern Architecture

1993 - 2007 | Nicholls Yallowega Bélanger Architects | Design Philosophy: Modern & Mid-Century Modern Architecture

2007 - Present | Bélanger Salach Architecture | Design Philosophy: Sustainable Architecture

From 1964 to 1979, Townend Steffura Beleshta Architects established a prominent architectural style revolving around the principles of brutalism. Characterized by using raw concrete, geometric forms, negative and positive space, and little to no ornamental additives, Brutalism emerged as a bold architectural movement, often associated with governmental and or institutional buildings. During this time the firm designed Pavilion Alphonse Raymond, Tom Davies Civic Square (now known as Tom Davies Square), and many others, falling under the appearance of modern and brutalist architecture reflecting similar thought processes as designs previously made by Le Corbusier. Following this period, the firm transitioned to Townend Stefura Baleshta Nicholls Architects from 1979 to 1993, embracing the principles of Modern Architecture. This shift marked a departure from Brutalism's heavy, fortress-like structures towards sleeker, more streamlined designs characterized by simplicity and functionality. In 1993, the firm underwent another transformation, becoming Nicholls Yallowega Bélanger Architects, during which they embraced both Modern and Mid-century Modern architectural styles. This era saw a fusion of contemporary design principles with the nostalgic aesthetic of the mid-20th century, resulting in structures that combined innovation with a sense of timelessness. From 2007 to now, the firm has operated under Bélanger Salach Architects, focusing on Sustainable Architecture. In response to growing environmental concerns, this period marks a significant commitment to designing buildings that minimize their ecological footprint and prioritize energy efficiency. Sustainable Architecture integrates renewable materials, passive design strategies, and innovative technologies to create buildings that harmonize with their surroundings and contribute positively to the environment. The firm has continually evolved throughout its various iterations to reflect changing architectural trends and societal values. From the robustness of Brutalism to the sustainability ethos of the present day, Townend Steffura Beleshta Architects and its subsequent incarnations have left a lasting imprint on the architectural landscape, shaping the built environment with innovation and vision.

*Sources will be added in later*

Significant Works[edit]

Laurentian Hospital

The Laurentian Hospital is the first project that Arthur Townend took on upon opening his firm in 1964[10]. This project led him to develop a specialty designing health facilities as he continued to contribute to new developments to this hospital throughout his entire career[10]. When Townend retired in 1988, the last plans that he signed off on were for the Laurentian Hospital[10]. Even today, health care is a recurring theme for the firm as they still do designs for additions and renovations for this very hospital[10].

Tom Davies Square

Tom Davies Square is another notable project that was designed by the firm. The design process began in 1963 with hopes of bringing more life to Sudbury's downtown core[11]. The facility was later built and completed in 1977[11].

Science North

Science North is an important piece of Bélanger Salach Architectures history as it has become one of Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attractions[12]. The firm helped with the design which was led by Raymond Moriyama[13]. The concept began in the early 1980's[13].

St. David's Catholic Elementary School

St. David’s Catholic Elementary School was designed in 2016 by the firm in order to replace a school from the 1950’s that was located nearby[14]. The School serves a large a indigenous population and an underprivileged community[14]. The structure for this school is primarily made up of glulam laminated timber[15].

Place des Arts

Place des Arts is one of BSA’s most recent projects which was completed in 2022[16]. It was a joint venture with Moriyama & Teshima Architects[16] who they formerly collaborated with for the design of Science North[13].

Notable Awards[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "About". Bélanger Salach Architecture. Retrieved February 23, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ Ramsay Best, Janna (2002). The Architectural Imagination of S. Arthur Townend. Ottawa: National Library of Canada. pp. 77–78. ISBN 9780612612969.
  3. ^ Sudbury.com Staff (Mar 20, 2006). "Architect leaves legacy in Sudbury". Sudbury.com. Retrieved February 23, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ a b c "Laurentian University Student Centre, a Comfortable Place to Both be Productive and to Socialize". The Plan. Retrieved February 23, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "Our Team". Bélanger Salach Architecture. Retrieved February 23, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ Galvin, Terrance (November 1, 2022). "Under One Roof: Place des Arts, Greater Sudbury, Ontario". Canadian Architect. Retrieved February 23, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ "St David Elementary Catholic School". Wood Works Innovation Network. Retrieved February 23, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ Sudbury.com Staff (November 15, 2017). "Place des Arts Architects also Designed other Iconic Northern Ontario Buildings". Sudbury.com. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ a b "Place des Arts Wins APR Urban Design & Architecture Award". Colliers Project Leaders. March 23, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ a b c d Ramsay Best, Janna (2002). The Architectural Imagination of S. Arthur Townend. Ottawa: National Library of Canada. pp. 81–83. ISBN 9780612612969.
  11. ^ a b Ramsay Best, Janna (2002). The Architectural Imagination of S. Arthur Townend. Ottawa: National Library of Canada. pp. 100–106. ISBN 9780612612969.
  12. ^ "Science North". Discover Sudbury. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ a b c Ramsay Best, Janna (2002). The Architectural Imagination of S. Arthur Townend. Ottawa: National Library of Canada. p. 14. ISBN 9780612612969.
  14. ^ a b Ulrichsen, Heidi (October 14, 2016). "'I Think it's Beautiful': New $10.5M St. David School Opens". Sudbury.com. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ^ Williams, Patricia (November, 2017). "Leaders in Wood Innovation Honoured at Awards". Daily Commercial News. 90: 1–3 – via CMD Group. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ a b Galvin, Terrance (November 1, 2022). "Under One Roof: Place des Arts, Greater Sudbury, Ontario". Canadian Architect. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ Sudbury.com Staff (October 8, 2023). "Place des Arts Receives International Acclaim for its Architecture". Sudbury.com. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. ^ Sudbury.com Staff (February 25, 2021). "Northern Buildings Lauded for Use of Wood". Sudbury.com. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ^ Sudbury Star Staff (May 23, 2019). "Business Awards to be Given in Sudbury Today". The Sudbury Star. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ^ Yallowega Bélanger Salach Architecture (December 7, 2018). "Laurentian University Student Centre". Sudbury Design Society. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. ^ "Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury". Sudbury Design Society. December 7, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ^ "Ontario's Wood WORKS! Awards Announce 2017 Winners". Canadian Architect. November 8, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ^ Sudbury Star Staff (April 23, 2017). "Sudbury Chapel Receives Recognition". The Sudbury Staff. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ^ Salach, Amber (August 1, 2016). "Northern Water Sports Centre". Sudbury Design Society. Retrieved February 24, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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