Sustainable conservation strategies for Canada’s modernist wood legacy

ABSTRACT The object of this paper is to advance concrete strategies for integrating objectives of environmental sustainability in the conservation of wood elements in Canadian modernist architecture. To do so, the paper considers: how wood and engineered wood products were used in modern building in Canada; how environmental values associated with wood in modern architecture have evolved; and what new issues are raised by current sustainable forestry and building practices. Finally, preliminary strategies are suggested for integrated approaches to conserving modern wood, which will be of value beyond the Canadian context.