Ernest Cormier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Cormier
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Cormier in the 1920s
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| Born | December 5, 1885 |
| Died | January 1, 1980 (aged 94) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Buildings | Central building of the Université de Montréal; Casault pavilion of Université Laval; Supreme Court of Canada Building |
Ernest Cormier (December 5, 1885 – January 1, 1980) was a famous Canadian engineer and architect. He spent most of his career in the Montreal area. He designed many important buildings in the Art Deco style. Two of his most famous designs are Cormier House in Montreal and the Supreme Court of Canada Building in Ottawa.
Contents
Ernest Cormier's Early Life and Studies
Ernest Cormier was born in Montreal. His father was a medical doctor. Ernest first studied civil engineering at the École Polytechnique in Montreal. He finished his studies in 1906. After graduating, he worked for a company called Dominion Bridge in Montreal.
In 1909, Ernest Cormier went to Paris, France, to study at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. This is a very famous art school. In 1914, he won a special award called the Henry Jarvis Scholarship. This award allowed him to spend two years in Rome, Italy. There, he studied ancient buildings and designs.
When he returned to Paris in 1917, he worked for an engineering company. This company was known for its work with concrete. Ernest Cormier then officially became a certified architect in France. From 1921 to 1954, he was a professor at the École Polytechnique in Montreal. He passed away in 1980 and was buried in Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal.
Famous Buildings Designed by Cormier
Université de Montréal's Roger Gaudry Building
One of Ernest Cormier's most important designs is the main building of the Université de Montréal. Today, it is known as the Roger Gaudry Building. This huge building is a great example of the Art Deco style. It was built between World War I and World War II.
The building has simple shapes and smooth surfaces. It uses light-colored bricks and marble. Most of its original design has been kept over the years. However, some changes were made inside in the 1970s. A large library hall was changed into smaller rooms.
Université Laval's Casault Pavilion
Another important building by Cormier is the Casault pavilion at Université Laval in Quebec City. Students often call it the 'Louis-Jacques'. He designed it in 1948, and it was finished in 1960. It looks like a massive cathedral.
This building is especially impressive when seen from a distance. It stands at the end of a long pathway on the campus. Some changes were made inside in the 1970s, but it remains a key landmark. It is now home to Laval's music and communications departments.
Cormier House: His Own Home
Ernest Cormier's own home in Montreal is a fantastic example of an Art Deco house. It is considered one of the best in the world. Later, in 1979, former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau bought the house. He lived there until he passed away in 2000.
Supreme Court of Canada Building
Ernest Cormier also designed the Supreme Court of Canada Building in Ottawa. This building was constructed between 1939 and 1940. It has a classic Châteauesque style, which looks like a grand French castle.
Other Notable Projects
Cormier also helped design the United Nations building in New York City. In Toronto, he designed St. Michael's College School in 1950. He also designed Carr Hall at St. Michael's College in 1954.
Cormier's Style and Legacy
Ernest Cormier was very skilled at balancing engineering and architecture in his buildings. He was also a talented painter and illustrator. He created many beautiful drawings of his building plans.
In 1974, Ernest Cormier was given the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. Many other awards were given to him as well. The Édifice Ernest-Cormier in Old Montreal is named after him. This building houses the Quebec Court of Appeal.
In 2018, Ernest Cormier was recognized as a National Historic Person. His own home, the Ernest Cormier House, and the Roger Gaudry Building at the Université de Montréal were named National Historic Sites.
Images for kids
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St. John the Baptist Church in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
